tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80749698265791169962024-02-18T18:03:46.709-10:00Blue, Green, and Everything in BetweenKyle B. Sasaokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260461581800773809noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074969826579116996.post-36014859875700061822010-06-04T01:11:00.001-10:002010-06-04T01:15:53.936-10:00The Best Dessert Chaobing 炒冰<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXx_3D9yuz_EKM11GXmp0u5t7vhfqLjVEtmTlAvadFweIEGFxJP5Uldw5zogDiivsVUiTkjf368Nh3_wPir-CnumM4z55nWGA_O1NY2YUmYrOb7RP0XZI0-Rk3b76tOJtRrC-r_OPltts/s1600/SANY0186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXx_3D9yuz_EKM11GXmp0u5t7vhfqLjVEtmTlAvadFweIEGFxJP5Uldw5zogDiivsVUiTkjf368Nh3_wPir-CnumM4z55nWGA_O1NY2YUmYrOb7RP0XZI0-Rk3b76tOJtRrC-r_OPltts/s400/SANY0186.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This is my favorite dessert hands down. I first found out about this dessert when I went to study abroad in China for the first time in Hainan province. This was a local favorite for the university students near Hainan University. The street next to the southern gate of the campus was always vibrant and full of delicious and interesting things to eat. As far as dessert goes though, this one was special. It is called Chaobing and literally means 'fried ice'. Of course it does not mean fry in the hot sense but actually in the cold sense. It is perfect way to cool down on a hot summer night in China. You won't find this being served in the day time though. I thought they could make lots more money that way, but it was no exception. China has a 'night market' culture where all the treats come out at around 7 pm and go on until late at night. <br />
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You eat this special dessert by choosing fruits of your choice. The fruits that were chosen for the Chaobing in the picture above were grape, papaya, and apple. Yummy combination. Usually the vendors will allow you to choose three fruits. After that they will blend the fruits into juice and add some condensed milk. Then they will proceed to add the juice+milk onto an evaporator. This machine makes the blended juice+milk very cold. They will keep flipping the juice+milk until it begins to harden and become an ice cream like consistency. Add raisins and crushed peanuts to the top and there you have it. The best dessert on the planet. <br />
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Take a look at this video to see what it looks like when they flip the Chaobing. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="405" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XDTfhRQTbB0&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XDTfhRQTbB0&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object></div><br />
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I hope one day you will be able to try Chaobing. Unfortunately I have never seen this dessert being sold anywhere except for Hainan province. My friends from the north actually didn't know what Chǎo<span class="pinyin">bīng</span> was and would always think I am pronouncing it wrong and actually referring to Chǎobǐng 炒饼. A dish pronounced the same way with different tones. This light and refreshing dessert should be on the to-eat list of anyone visiting Hainan.Kyle B. Sasaokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260461581800773809noreply@blogger.com108tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074969826579116996.post-88245310253959207412010-06-02T02:43:00.000-10:002010-06-02T02:43:47.962-10:00Szechuan FoodI made a short video on some of the foods I have come across in Sichuan province. Sichuanese food otherwise known as Szechuan food is known for being very flavorful and spicy. Actually the famous Kung Pao Chicken is a Szechuan food which is featured in the short video I made. The foods in the video were eaten when we were in Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan province. In China there are basically two types of fast food, western and Chinese. If it is Chinese fast food there is a 90% chance that it will be related to Szechuan food. Take a look at the video and let me know what you think.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/J5x8o5JcQ8U&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/J5x8o5JcQ8U&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">In the video we ate deep fried string beans (干煸四季豆), Kung Pao chicken (宫保鸡丁), twice cooked pork slices (回锅肉), and Szechuan hotpot (四川火锅) . My favorite was the hotpot. It had a spicy-sour taste that was so good after a long day without eating. The deep fried string beans were alright. Kung Pao chicken is what the Chinese always think foreigners will love and sure enough, as foreigners,we did. As for the twice cooked pork slices, you can't go wrong ordering that. </div>Kyle B. Sasaokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260461581800773809noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074969826579116996.post-26749379852473815302010-05-31T12:44:00.000-10:002010-06-01T10:52:43.295-10:00Leshan Giant Buddha<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpvzPJvnXjK3OowGaFx-jc7_cErIKrIB1ZKd1dD0KPar-k6cH8LWqVXGZkOfCYz4hJU94yPVcS_iBI4nhatyp7F-fO3V4WK-DJc-CyeGvTQNfnskjqlWJP3MtrPm51wioRZQAWjcCgFE/s1600/SANY0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpvzPJvnXjK3OowGaFx-jc7_cErIKrIB1ZKd1dD0KPar-k6cH8LWqVXGZkOfCYz4hJU94yPVcS_iBI4nhatyp7F-fO3V4WK-DJc-CyeGvTQNfnskjqlWJP3MtrPm51wioRZQAWjcCgFE/s640/SANY0128.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>One of the things to do when you are in Sichuan province, especially when you are near the vicinity of Chengdu, is to see the Giant Buddha of Leshan.<br />
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Leshan is a city located near Chengdu (the provincial capital of Sichuan). To be honest we weren't very impressed by Chengdu itself where we saw lots of police officers and exiled Russian students with no money trying to find their way back to their country. Not to worry though, we quickly got out of there and made our way to see the Leshan Giant Buddha!<br />
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The Buddha itself is very large, and cannot be seen entirely from land. This is due to the fact that it is right up against a river. Because of that, the best views are offered from a boat.<br />
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Yes, the Buddha is large and it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. But we went there, saw the Buddha, and that was pretty much it. Not much else to see, plus there were TONS of tourists. So in the end, it was more like a 'been there done that' kind of thing. Did you notice in the picture my friend Yeonchang standing next to the head? This gives you an idea of just how giant the Buddha is. AND the history of this Buddha spans over 1000 years! I am surprised it is still standing, or <i>sitting</i> to be more accurate. Of course restoration projects on it have begun, but still it is quite impressive.<br />
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To avoid spending lots of money don't eat in the park. Either bring your own food in or wait until you leave. I would recommend bringing your own food as the whole affair will take at least half of your day. To find out more about the Buddha itself read the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leshan_Giant_Buddha">Wikipedia</a> or <a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Leshan">Wikitravel</a> article, those links will take you to see more info.<br />
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All the information I found about how to get there and what not was provided by the Lonely Planet guide on China which I highly recommend. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Lonely Planet: China </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Below is the Lonely Planet Guidebook for China. I would highly recommend this as I often used this as a reference for a wide range of things from finding places to sleep to transportation to eating, and more. The important thing about traveling in China and most of Asia in general if you are on a budget is to get to know the prices of things. Guidebooks like Lonely Planet do a pretty good job at telling you approximately what price things should be so that you don't get ripped off. Click on the image and it will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase your own copy of the book. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/China-Country-Guide-David-Eimer/dp/1741048664?ie=UTF8&tag=blugreandevei-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="China (Country Guide)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1741048664&tag=blugreandevei-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blugreandevei-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1741048664" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/China-Country-Guide-David-Eimer/dp/1741048664?ie=UTF8&tag=blugreandevei-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">China (Country Guide)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blugreandevei-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1741048664" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></div>Kyle B. Sasaokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260461581800773809noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074969826579116996.post-24698855143944083382010-05-31T00:16:00.000-10:002010-05-31T00:16:35.945-10:00Constipation and Barefootedness<a href="http://www.madetorun.com/wp-content/Images/barefoot%20running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.madetorun.com/wp-content/Images/barefoot%20running.jpg" width="320" /></a>For those of you who have lived in China for a while, you may have heard many weird things related to health. One of the things I have always heard while living in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province was really off the wall. It made me think though, if there actually was any scientific basis for it. After all China has one of the longest histories and medicines on the face of this planet. I heard it from my host family and from my Chinese teachers. The problem was when they would see me walk barefooted around the place. Ok, I know that isn't the smartest thing to do, especially in China, but I am from Hawai'i and we do tend to like to walk barefooted indoors - it's a cultural thing. Anyway, they would say, "Hey don't walk around barefooted, you're gonna get constipated!" LOL.<br />
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Well it has been a little over two years since I last heard people relate constipation to walking barefoot so I decided to verify their claims once and for all. My goodness to my surprise I found an article talking about the causes for constipation. You can read it by clicking <a href="http://www.usfreeads.com/364173-cls.html">here</a>. In that article it says that parasites can indeed cause constipation and that parasites can be easily picked up by walking barefoot! <br />
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Now I feel a little dumb that I didn't believe my host family and teachers! However, according to the article you need to walk over an area where an animal that has parasites was sleeping OR where an animal has defecated. So no worries for my Hawai'i people. It's not everyday we step in doodoo barefooted. <br />
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Next time I hear some off the wall thing from another country, I won't reject it so quickly. I should have verified the claims 2 years ago ;)Kyle B. Sasaokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260461581800773809noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074969826579116996.post-7582889958152583542010-05-28T02:06:00.000-10:002010-05-28T02:06:13.777-10:00Haggling With Hags<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPFjhyphenhyphenotHkx2vN6qyxLOtpFehpVBfwcKbmVQPDn3JD-JSeZBzzBaZVtWhTpf2Q5iCW35DaenBZ71Vd41nOjH7iorDUMSI0niWykAbQdAU7iZbbWWG55y5dJfqj1slaxhv9nSxPql8uks/s1600/The+6+RMB+Basket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPFjhyphenhyphenotHkx2vN6qyxLOtpFehpVBfwcKbmVQPDn3JD-JSeZBzzBaZVtWhTpf2Q5iCW35DaenBZ71Vd41nOjH7iorDUMSI0niWykAbQdAU7iZbbWWG55y5dJfqj1slaxhv9nSxPql8uks/s400/The+6+RMB+Basket.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Ok I admit it, the title of this blog entry is quite harsh. Let me just be up front about it first though. I am a tried and true hardcore haggler. I will negotiate the price of something until I absolutely get the rock bottom price (or until at least I think I got the rock bottom price). I have been known to spend hours just trying to get the best deal, many times at the expense of my friends saying, "Geez it's just a dollar." Well let me tell you a dollar can go a long way in many parts of Asia, all my fellow travelers know this. Anyway, what you see above you is a basket used to carry your toiletries. I needed one because there was a communal bathroom in my dormitory at Beijing Foreign Studies University. I haggled to death for this basket... so bad did I haggle that a hag selling the other basket called me a liar and told me to get out of her store. <br />
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*Warning! Please don't do this to the extent I did. It is ok to haggle but not when 30 cents or less USD is involved. Ok everyone is different but that is just me. It makes a bad ambassador out of you for your respective countries. I won't do it again for sure.<br />
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To make a long story short the hag's basket started off at 15 RMB. Ok so that is equivalent to a little over 2 USD. In my opinion you could get something like this at the dollar store, so in my mind I was like, "No ways!" I told her 5 RMB which is around 73 cents. She was like, "Haha get outta here that is too cheap." So she gave the offer of 12 RMB. I thought hmm, still too expensive, still over a dollar! I told her I would go next door and figure out what the cost of a similar basket was, she lowered the price to 8 RMB, but I thought it would be worth it to gauge the cost from the other basket. The man next door gave the same initial offer of 15 RMB. But through haggling went down to 6 RMB because I gave him the, I'm gonna go next door and find out how much the hag is gonna sell it to me treatment. I went back to her and told her about what the man next door was offering me. That is when she said it, "You're a liar, get outta my store, I'm not selling to you." I went back to the man and bought my basket for 6 RMB! <br />
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Total savings through haggling: 9 RMB ($1.31)<br />
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Not bad, but I also may have cost some shame to my fellow Americans. But hey, I'm Asian by ethnicity so she probably thought I was Korean or Japanese. So in the end, successful day at haggling, but I felt bad for the hag... All for a silly basket.Kyle B. Sasaokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260461581800773809noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074969826579116996.post-81394733694604318282010-05-27T19:14:00.000-10:002010-05-27T19:24:27.606-10:00Hiking Kuli'ou'ou<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQLR2mkPuMNZERtNkSS-tYq4vsFNO-u7CYgRodSo53VCt4HIAoFnKmjjq1S3Rp_h-UtzwOVNhoO4NRQpixWkFvhX-bgaQ9ps-AwbYJYDBrnx3RMsE7pfdlpW5hNft9E6M3sJ0eSZ-das/s1600/SANY3864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQLR2mkPuMNZERtNkSS-tYq4vsFNO-u7CYgRodSo53VCt4HIAoFnKmjjq1S3Rp_h-UtzwOVNhoO4NRQpixWkFvhX-bgaQ9ps-AwbYJYDBrnx3RMsE7pfdlpW5hNft9E6M3sJ0eSZ-das/s400/SANY3864.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This was the fourth time hiking the Kuli'ou'ou ridge hike. The hike actually has two options. Going into the valley or going up to the top of the Ko'olau mountain range. Most hikers opt for the ridge, as it offers some of the most spectacular views of O'ahu. On a clear day you can see all the way to diamond head towards town and Mokapu on the Windward side. The hike gets the most difficult toward the end making it one of the most climactic hikes on the island, with a beautiful view waiting for you right at the end.<br />
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The beginning of the hike starts at the end of a culdesac. A stone sign of the Board of Water Supply will say Kuli'ou'ou 350 Reservoir. If you see the sign you are in the right place. Don't go off to the right, but rather walk down the hill. Going off to the right will lead you to a water tower. <br />
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You will quickly enter into a world of trees and rocks. This part of the hike is very easy, and is really quite a nice stroll in the park. It is a lot easier than the later parts of the hike.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80Spm0g9es1aGX4vcoxeM7KM_E24NHoGJokiWl4o_odRLi_B2ql2lf3SJ_yCUSP3siClE98LlIqONCCwsln1dx0qEe-xeHWS5BvhAIw7KPQchxTgUYb2FOk_lfsUlXfPgY8prfAPEhp4/s1600/SANY3855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80Spm0g9es1aGX4vcoxeM7KM_E24NHoGJokiWl4o_odRLi_B2ql2lf3SJ_yCUSP3siClE98LlIqONCCwsln1dx0qEe-xeHWS5BvhAIw7KPQchxTgUYb2FOk_lfsUlXfPgY8prfAPEhp4/s400/SANY3855.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>As you get further in you will come across an intersection in the trail. If you want to go into the valley keep going straight. If you want to get to the top of the ridge turn to the right up an incline. Up that incline you will see a sign telling you to use the trail because not using it will cause erosion. The trail will quickly become a winding path after this. Higher up is where you will start to see pine trees like the ones on the left. These are usually one of my most favorite parts of any hike. Pine trees seem to keep the place so peaceful. <br />
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Even higher up, you will start to see the Norfolk pines. These are really a sight to see as many of them are still quite young. You can tell the bigger ones have been growing for a very long time though already. In the particular area in the picture on the right, there were many younger pines. It is a nice refreshing experience to walk through a bunch of adolescant pine trees.<br />
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At one point you will come to a clearing with a shack located at the foot of the next incline. Be sure to take a rest here unless you are really determined to get to the top in a certain amount of time. After this point, the hike becomes fairly steep and difficult. <br />
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Notice that after the shack, the trees become significantly larger. They are also predominantly pines. Watch out for the pine roots sticking out of the ground as they might trip you and become very slippery when wet. On our way down the hike it rained and the roots became very slippery and dangerous. Use the pine roots to your advantage by using them as steps when you come to the steep parts. <br />
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The hike will get very steep and there will begin to be man-made steps. The trail itself is suffering from erosion so I think the steps actually mitigate the rate of erosion. The hike is climactic because not too far from the photo above, you will instantly come across the photo on the left, letting you see an excellent view of the Windward side. Too bad the day we went was kinda cloudy. The view wasn't as good, but I have to admit the coolness factor was still there.<br />
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Toward the left at the top facing the Windward side, you will see the Mokulua isalnds Before the islands on land is Bellows Air Force Station and a bunch of farms in Waimanalo. <br />
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Rabbit island or Manana can be seen toward the right facing the Windward side. You can see in the picture of Manana on the left that there were many clouds. I was lucky enough to get this picture off as after I took the picture a bunch of clouds rolled in. <br />
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The top of the ridge is actually very cold as the wind was super strong that day. Also, if the wind is strong, you will have to close your eyes from time to time to prevent dirt from flying in. The picture on the right was taken when we just started our descent. Notice Koko Head Crater on the left and the rest of Hawaii Kai on the right hand side.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&msa=0&msid=118250265717386456364.000487a07d677b6dc5ba9&ll=21.313284,-157.722816&spn=0.027986,0.036478&z=14&output=embed" width="425"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&msa=0&msid=118250265717386456364.000487a07d677b6dc5ba9&ll=21.313284,-157.722816&spn=0.027986,0.036478&z=14&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">kuli'ou'ou</a> in a larger map</small></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">The Kuli'ou'ou Experience</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">This hike will always be one of my favorites on the island. You go through so many different types of terrain and I love how the hike is climactic, ending in spectacular fashion. It seems like you can go further down the Ko'olau mountain range, but I haven't ever done so and wouldn't really recommend it unless you were a pretty good hiker. We made the mistake of going straight into the valley at first because we missed the section that led you up to the ridge. We quickly realized this however, and backtracked. In all, a very nice hike that is hiked best on a clear day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hawaiian Language Glossary</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Kuli'ou'ou: Sounding knee (name refers to a small drum that was tied to the knee and played while performing the hula). "Hawaii Place Names"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ko'olau: Short for ko'oko'olau - Windward sides of the Hawaiian Islands.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Waimanalo: Potable water</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Kyle B. Sasaokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260461581800773809noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074969826579116996.post-78516916973598884842010-05-24T20:55:00.000-10:002010-05-25T20:32:59.794-10:00Hiking Oneawa Hills<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqh9F6e3R2l5XtL1lSRdRCsmWJTWrd_sWA3w8_w-yJspZPwsF-NLrRr-T01yLYt3cP-iWec7c97yY5zbhFfqdSUuWwsbeCh6uWJYbNonyR5O6tlgDsvdf137M9mptLGwHNTatQMbMVaI/s1600/SANY3823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqh9F6e3R2l5XtL1lSRdRCsmWJTWrd_sWA3w8_w-yJspZPwsF-NLrRr-T01yLYt3cP-iWec7c97yY5zbhFfqdSUuWwsbeCh6uWJYbNonyR5O6tlgDsvdf137M9mptLGwHNTatQMbMVaI/s400/SANY3823.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Growing up in Kailua I have always wanted to explore the hill near Kapaa Quarry. It is an interesting hill dividing Kailua and Kaneohe that offers spectacular views of both sides. Even though this hike divides Kailua and Kaneohe like the <a href="http://bluegreenbetween.blogspot.com/2010/05/hiking-kalaheo-hillside.html">Kalaheo Hill</a> this hill is a lot less dry. This means you'll see a lot more green and different kinds of plantlife here hiking Oneawa Hills.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMCy_JCMJXF0W1vlI_nd3irCING3BaHX2OnuHVu0LzCGeWB4nLEkRkYdd370iyv-539AqHxv1sIG_zk_-6qu-tnHOfFXkSet0y1BTL76h_E_e_vWJ8SfKyGa1SDRM_L4EnsNffRPIiDM/s1600/SANY3816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMCy_JCMJXF0W1vlI_nd3irCING3BaHX2OnuHVu0LzCGeWB4nLEkRkYdd370iyv-539AqHxv1sIG_zk_-6qu-tnHOfFXkSet0y1BTL76h_E_e_vWJ8SfKyGa1SDRM_L4EnsNffRPIiDM/s320/SANY3816.JPG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">We started the hike off of Kokokahi street in Kaneohe. These stairs are a little difficult to find from the road. If you are going to hike the ridge to the other side which is supposed to come out at Lipalu Street have somebody drop you off and pick you up on the other side. Me and my brother Kory had our brother Kurt take us there and our sister Tanya pick us up. These stairs are supposedly upkept by the surrounding community, and is kept pretty well. Many of the plants along the trail here are labeled and are pretty diverse. To find the stairs drive slowly on Kokokahi or get out and walk some when you get near the hill.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiuwNbXmTEO5FVJQaGl61xVd2niCCfiV3F4sXIRVGCNc9-_zxowhk2fL5W83glU6Rgk7VAcsKorFGD6C8ANGnIHSN2kyvSJq-UkI2bLbjA2E1ccx25bRktjEBWI6ZXd5qqbcKGkc54Dk/s1600/SANY3817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiuwNbXmTEO5FVJQaGl61xVd2niCCfiV3F4sXIRVGCNc9-_zxowhk2fL5W83glU6Rgk7VAcsKorFGD6C8ANGnIHSN2kyvSJq-UkI2bLbjA2E1ccx25bRktjEBWI6ZXd5qqbcKGkc54Dk/s320/SANY3817.JPG" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The first cool thing we noticed were the bamboo trees. All of the sudden the trail becomes surrounded by bamboo quite a bit. The bamboo sort of makes you feel relaxed and zen. Did you know some bamboo can grow 18 inches per day?</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedacnrnlLPZckdAkeYS-9iHe611ZcIUkpv6SfyZ99FkjqBWBIhZC2JP_hXnRjtRHhyphenhyphenv4g3enEdV60DEEnSzsFq_qTuwzvlRjWyMyoOBq1OAwe5RM9afiKxE186rzD_vl46q3wJvODZuI/s1600/SANY3818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedacnrnlLPZckdAkeYS-9iHe611ZcIUkpv6SfyZ99FkjqBWBIhZC2JP_hXnRjtRHhyphenhyphenv4g3enEdV60DEEnSzsFq_qTuwzvlRjWyMyoOBq1OAwe5RM9afiKxE186rzD_vl46q3wJvODZuI/s320/SANY3818.JPG" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Next you will notice different types of plants being labeled and such. I thought this red hibiscus was worth taking a picture of. After all it is the state flower of Hawaii. Originally hibiscus in all colors were considered the Hawaii State flower, however after 1988 the yellow hibiscus was named the state flower. So I guess technically this isn't the state flower now since it is red. Did you know yellow hibiscus is the only one native to Hawaii?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I also thought this plant was pretty. It is what I believe to be a heliconia or a parrot flower. These are pretty much grown for landscaping and don't have use for much else. Do you know of any way these are used other than for landscapring?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikw27PVgm8Psf1v9VZPPCO6h2zaYmnqZMUolZQxdFxQyzjJdoFTiSJxF-QzOOjJJlxf4XMxkJ26RXLc4PtpSu9atSv8o_928EznSJUmGY1rJ6ex_-dYiVQ7qzRzEu2bSWTggy9BLJteTc/s1600/SANY3820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikw27PVgm8Psf1v9VZPPCO6h2zaYmnqZMUolZQxdFxQyzjJdoFTiSJxF-QzOOjJJlxf4XMxkJ26RXLc4PtpSu9atSv8o_928EznSJUmGY1rJ6ex_-dYiVQ7qzRzEu2bSWTggy9BLJteTc/s320/SANY3820.JPG" /></a></span></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">There is a section of the hike that comes to a clearing and you can take a look at Kaneohe Bay. Here is a picture of Coconut Island and you can even see Chinaman's Hat in the background. On the very right is a small piece of land. That is a far corner of Kaneohe Marine Corps Base or the Mokapu Peninsula.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> The scenery of the trail is actually very diverse. On this section you can see that vines have really taken a stronghold. Note that the amoung of sticky plants (plants with seeds that stick to your clothes) are PLENTIFUL on this hike. By the end me and my brother were stickied up. It seems like less fiborous clothing will do the trick here. My brother wore a cotton shirt and high socks... not the best combo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">On the ridge you will be able to see both Kaneohe side and Kailua side. This is the picture of Kawainui Marsh, Kailua Town, and you can see the Mokulua Islands in the background. The hill you see on the right hand side is actually the hill of the <a href="http://bluegreenbetween.blogspot.com/2010/04/kailua-pillbox-hike-breathtaking-beauty.html">Pillbox Hike</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">You will come across several clearings of Laua'e ferns. After the ferns, you will be in for a surprise.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPK7KbCAbVshAyPj91A_OKhnNHlnPtlq00wpbVi1EbhhaFRgchgJtSbQEbl78f_XdtxCr4-fsBcTwQkXr5oynLLw037kuSkmUIyv5Rf-cvg_RNg_axjcqUZK-IruVQZyWDUUPkHAJyLIs/s1600/SANY3832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPK7KbCAbVshAyPj91A_OKhnNHlnPtlq00wpbVi1EbhhaFRgchgJtSbQEbl78f_XdtxCr4-fsBcTwQkXr5oynLLw037kuSkmUIyv5Rf-cvg_RNg_axjcqUZK-IruVQZyWDUUPkHAJyLIs/s400/SANY3832.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I actually didn't really know how this looked up close. What you see above you is Kapa'a quarry. They have dug a hole into the ground for the rock. At the bottom of the hole is a lake. It is a spectacular sight actually and is the closest thing to the Grand Canyon you will see in Kailua.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxm_oVZnWutuK0HjQPKB556n6LY4edGTixMnJPF2NLetkb-1wkw-EB-uZzpWJqVS7s395ZWxF4shZcsgRuylfwWDSbgtB2bRhQoRmwpgGRzCCqGMwXPUphQ2HArwjcJdEBdHK-UjJ1bY/s1600/SANY3839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxm_oVZnWutuK0HjQPKB556n6LY4edGTixMnJPF2NLetkb-1wkw-EB-uZzpWJqVS7s395ZWxF4shZcsgRuylfwWDSbgtB2bRhQoRmwpgGRzCCqGMwXPUphQ2HArwjcJdEBdHK-UjJ1bY/s320/SANY3839.JPG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;">Me and my brother, we made a mistake and went off trail. After seeing the quarry you will come to an area where there are many pink slips indicating for you to make a right turn to head down the hill. Unfortunately we weren't paying very good attention and ended up doing an hour of trail blazing. Not fun at the time, but probably the most memorable part of the hike. We came across lots of pots and dead snails and I thought maybe it was for growing 'special' plants and to protect the 'special' plants snail poison was administered hence the dead snails, but we found no such plants. We did find what seemed to be an invasive species of plant though. You can see the seeds of the plant here next to the pink hibiscus.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_uQ7XUISV-G1IU5g8Sme3RUP81OhmnpQhNoVmbGTTodCM1fmAdybewIr2a_m6vsb27pxzJjDoSTrSy1SDHWUxMWhtnSuPLPwVa-D1C_2ANkueC__URnjFwKNguIxIdrCja6kDAC-EqKE/s1600/SANY3846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_uQ7XUISV-G1IU5g8Sme3RUP81OhmnpQhNoVmbGTTodCM1fmAdybewIr2a_m6vsb27pxzJjDoSTrSy1SDHWUxMWhtnSuPLPwVa-D1C_2ANkueC__URnjFwKNguIxIdrCja6kDAC-EqKE/s320/SANY3846.JPG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;">We backtracked on the trail after we figured out that we were definitely 100% guaranteed going the wrong way. We went back through California grass, pokey plants, and trees with branches that like to poke you in the eyes. Finally we came back to the spot where they put lots of pink slips to indicate that you need to go in that direction. Going down the hill towards Lipalu Street, you will find yourself in fields and fields of these berries. I don't know what this plant is but it was cool seeing tons of red berries all around you.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiwMjipkIfTsaDXizEHSd7ABhOBrD4bb5Zi91PttwTF1EwtXvaBvRFV8cwQKakkSyVuawaIWB9NRW3lHrS_st389Jy7Kr7OKqRgHj7IgVgYYGLm3Ct2_3DoIS8bcb-7j4uPjoAboPCOc/s1600/SANY3848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiwMjipkIfTsaDXizEHSd7ABhOBrD4bb5Zi91PttwTF1EwtXvaBvRFV8cwQKakkSyVuawaIWB9NRW3lHrS_st389Jy7Kr7OKqRgHj7IgVgYYGLm3Ct2_3DoIS8bcb-7j4uPjoAboPCOc/s320/SANY3848.JPG" /></a></span></div>Finally toward the end of the trail, tired as heck, we came across this Heiau. I found out that this is the Kawa'ewa'e Heiau and is supposedly where Chief Olopana met his death, slain by Kamapua'a, a demigod. The <a href="http://www.thehawaiiindependent.com/local/read/Kaneohe/na-wahi-pana-o-kaneohe/">Legend of Chief Olopana and Kamapua'a</a> is a very cool story. You will see that people still make offerings at this Heiau, and it was most likely built for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lono">Lono</a>, god of fertility, agriculture, rainfall, and music. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Oneawa Hills Experience</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hands down, the most memorable part of this hike was getting lost. It wasn't fun, but I don't regret it. We went off the beaten path and saw stuff that the normal people hiking Oneawa Hills don't see. Remember to keep track of the pink slips. Also when you get down the hill, try to find your way to the road as soon as possible, unless you want to get to the Heiau. The trail to the Heiau is marked with orange slips instead of pink. The hike is worth it but prepare yourself for the sticky plants!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&msa=0&msid=118250265717386456364.000487794f70cea959ffa&ll=21.400975,-157.77895&spn=0.027969,0.036478&z=14&output=embed" width="425"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&msa=0&msid=118250265717386456364.000487794f70cea959ffa&ll=21.400975,-157.77895&spn=0.027969,0.036478&z=14&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">oneawa hills hike</a> in a larger map</small></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Hawaiian Language Glossary</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Oneawa: Milkfish sand</div><div style="text-align: left;">Kāne'ohe: Bamboo husband (According to legend, a woman compared her husbands cruelty to the cutting edge of a bamboo knife) "Hawaii Place Names"</div><div style="text-align: left;">Lipalu: A type of seaweed<br />
Mokapu: Sacred district <br />
Laua'e: A fragrant fern</div>Kyle B. Sasaokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260461581800773809noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074969826579116996.post-2159485740102281232010-05-23T20:20:00.000-10:002010-05-24T09:20:11.383-10:00Hiking the Kalaheo Hillside<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbH602M7Ft2TSm2ofOmE_SPdxFTRNR5diCuPin8Us2TcqEnmRK9c7bCaVf5D18O_xnMIvYA6SOgwU0ERWdOnKKdIP7g3yHq13TS-ESzzvlI9gHfUTYo0xvk68CQJZNE8cEeHUezyKTcLc/s1600/SANY3777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbH602M7Ft2TSm2ofOmE_SPdxFTRNR5diCuPin8Us2TcqEnmRK9c7bCaVf5D18O_xnMIvYA6SOgwU0ERWdOnKKdIP7g3yHq13TS-ESzzvlI9gHfUTYo0xvk68CQJZNE8cEeHUezyKTcLc/s400/SANY3777.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Adventure was the theme of this hike. I always see the Kalaheo hillside and the famous rock at the top (which the graduating class of Kalaheo High School paints). But I have never before ventured up there to see what kind of views it had to offer. The truth is, the views are very nice and what's more, I along with my two brothers discovered a secret up there. Read more to figure out what kind of secret we found. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9IZYdY4t9SAgCzO8M_aMInqV1EKQwslFcaRTqAAWXav8MuR24JD48AoC0uUtnfVkDbWhK64A3hzta9JzbHj5fhWDhyb0XqjNwKZWuQMwZAcYzvKIzM8RblwmcL7HPNncT2D8rJo3Xgw/s1600/SANY3778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9IZYdY4t9SAgCzO8M_aMInqV1EKQwslFcaRTqAAWXav8MuR24JD48AoC0uUtnfVkDbWhK64A3hzta9JzbHj5fhWDhyb0XqjNwKZWuQMwZAcYzvKIzM8RblwmcL7HPNncT2D8rJo3Xgw/s320/SANY3778.JPG" /></a></span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> The hike starts off in the corner of the Kalaheo High School parking lot. You will see a pink strip of plastic indicating where you should enter the fence and from there you will find the trail. This hike has lots of dry vegetation and can scrape and poke your skin. Your movement would be a lot more comfortable if you wore jeans and maybe a long sleeve shirt of some sort, but of course you would be less comfortable from the heat. The short trees can be quite dangerous as they slightly branch out toward the top and may poke you in the face. So remember to protect your face.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The climb is very dry if there is no rain of course. The vegetation is dry and the rocks are a little loose. This along with the trees that irritatingly poke you are the only things that make this hike difficult. Other than that you will get to the top rather quickly. Make sure you get a firm footing as you go up as the loose rocks may come out from under you.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqZJCMjwmKQiaxlJQ1oil0ZlyMzyw8gGoEFETHE7Y0-66mPoEfN2fekN79LV1Ak6Z6t0H_ac7x3kTDFzZMQIDkoQw4uUj35IJdEiXAmldBg-3b5xb3hCnNo2EPiMT9tRWUCWWIPIwilc/s1600/SANY3782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqZJCMjwmKQiaxlJQ1oil0ZlyMzyw8gGoEFETHE7Y0-66mPoEfN2fekN79LV1Ak6Z6t0H_ac7x3kTDFzZMQIDkoQw4uUj35IJdEiXAmldBg-3b5xb3hCnNo2EPiMT9tRWUCWWIPIwilc/s320/SANY3782.JPG" /></a></span></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">If you hike other areas of Kailua like the <a href="http://bluegreenbetween.blogspot.com/2010/04/kailua-pillbox-hike-breathtaking-beauty.html">Pillbox Hike</a> or <a href="http://bluegreenbetween.blogspot.com/2010/04/kailua-pillbox-hike-breathtaking-beauty.html">Olomana</a>, you will notice that there are these rock formations. I have to ask a geologist why the rock forms like this, I find it very interesting. Usually it is around the ridges of the mountains. I am pretty sure it isn't man made, but I couldn't be 100% sure. Anyone know why?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdzm5xthTBz9jH0sVM9tGgmSwii8h4eJ0PgS-bTs-oTOpDRLSkPY_B1Hbh_u-VLDsQ1e5WPXYmSEHYfSrSs8Lw2rZrZkYQaxxQryvRION1NZi3w78MsgsxDFdJ-E1YJfyIP_RyF7v_TQ/s1600/SANY3783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdzm5xthTBz9jH0sVM9tGgmSwii8h4eJ0PgS-bTs-oTOpDRLSkPY_B1Hbh_u-VLDsQ1e5WPXYmSEHYfSrSs8Lw2rZrZkYQaxxQryvRION1NZi3w78MsgsxDFdJ-E1YJfyIP_RyF7v_TQ/s320/SANY3783.JPG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;">After you get to the actual rock you will get a very good view of Olomana mountain as you can see on the right hand side of the picture. You will also see Kailua town (on the left), the dyke that separates Kailua town from Kawainui Marsh, and of course Kawainui Marsh. Did you know that 4000 years ago the marsh was once an inland sea? That's how some say Kailua got it's name. Kailua literally means two seas. One sea being Kailua bay and the other being where the present Kawainui Marsh is. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeO0om0iXX5LPfI0V1z94fJLrhBcVRGJqlAArKsRnJxZOIIuEWgjqF_NAt_t0kV3TusZpwlC745YNzd-1Nl6SjT2-TFUKimC8ZhMYfxITtb5L_xiDFhlh8t5vdxMM9R9SNeQR28ARVEB8/s1600/SANY3786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeO0om0iXX5LPfI0V1z94fJLrhBcVRGJqlAArKsRnJxZOIIuEWgjqF_NAt_t0kV3TusZpwlC745YNzd-1Nl6SjT2-TFUKimC8ZhMYfxITtb5L_xiDFhlh8t5vdxMM9R9SNeQR28ARVEB8/s320/SANY3786.JPG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Once you get to the top of the rock area, you will get a very nice view of Kailua Town and the ocean. Be careful not to venture too close to the rocks edge, it possible you can fall off as the winds are pretty strong up there. In the picture you can see two of my brothers taking a rest after just getting to the top of the rock. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_bVYuqK2pZ72gP0QEyJByecFaSyMOiy2471zSUl4mU9tPGZkN4E1eS0QPJB7SHNx52qS4pzoH8u5am6w13rpptwIxSJy8N7eSJBk_TTMQbNLpUbargWDFght1lARCooCTnWFj-XS99o/s1600/SANY3788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_bVYuqK2pZ72gP0QEyJByecFaSyMOiy2471zSUl4mU9tPGZkN4E1eS0QPJB7SHNx52qS4pzoH8u5am6w13rpptwIxSJy8N7eSJBk_TTMQbNLpUbargWDFght1lARCooCTnWFj-XS99o/s320/SANY3788.JPG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">My brother Kurt pointed out Kainalu elementary school which you can see in the picture. When I went there as a kid I didn't realize just how close to the beach it actually is. Kainalu Elementary School is located at the end of an area in Kailua called coconut grove. The name is obviously due to the amount of coconut trees growing in the area. Look how many there are in this picture... tons.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4p7tbM13Yvskp-74OHtaqw5cg47efK7yaOSRSSLXghgNRqaFLo9mkxPxuzxdmM0RFn-BVF3p9ZVMk3AEryMl9Rd6nI6aL3nHiIDr28KH-LsCv66HcrI9bN9qhw4wB-Io0asyszjBQBo/s1600/SANY3792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4p7tbM13Yvskp-74OHtaqw5cg47efK7yaOSRSSLXghgNRqaFLo9mkxPxuzxdmM0RFn-BVF3p9ZVMk3AEryMl9Rd6nI6aL3nHiIDr28KH-LsCv66HcrI9bN9qhw4wB-Io0asyszjBQBo/s320/SANY3792.JPG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The area is so dry and proof of that can be seen in the type of vegetation you will find. We found several cactus. What a nice view of Kawainui Marsh this cactus has. Sometimes I wonder if I would ever use a cactus as a water source if I ran out of water, which I did that day because my brothers didn't bring water and drank all mine. I probably would if it were life and death. You?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyEpPIkq2kjxJFCkyGMfkSAw1JVxx32fC8Ljn8km_pigtVGCNqVFIDcCH6mKzmZj4UrKyKwnkyrMMqs7bnYHyx1djUQWrmXzyFBWaFTCBZEut10iIS1Ng9CUcZVv-RO7NY4_XYBUwduk/s1600/SANY3789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyEpPIkq2kjxJFCkyGMfkSAw1JVxx32fC8Ljn8km_pigtVGCNqVFIDcCH6mKzmZj4UrKyKwnkyrMMqs7bnYHyx1djUQWrmXzyFBWaFTCBZEut10iIS1Ng9CUcZVv-RO7NY4_XYBUwduk/s320/SANY3789.JPG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is a close up view of the rock. The colors of Kalaheo High School are blue and orange. I don't know what this rock was supposed to represent. Looked like just splattered paint on the rock. The tradition of painting the rock on the Kalaheo Hillside was going on for a while. I don't know if this is actually allowed... probably not. But as far as I remember it has always been done every year, and I don't see that tradition ending anytime soon.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilokDvvrwR54BWjJIv_-9a6PGpr9wjLZeZwfhl0ISu34XHI39uuTJg1uhrS0f-1Mc84zKNlzlUUE1QvGi97-RaLOztAv27PEkOl1v0E4kYXbg50uEtqjnI_tVcmQdVdAg0eOa-puUQwgs/s1600/SANY3796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilokDvvrwR54BWjJIv_-9a6PGpr9wjLZeZwfhl0ISu34XHI39uuTJg1uhrS0f-1Mc84zKNlzlUUE1QvGi97-RaLOztAv27PEkOl1v0E4kYXbg50uEtqjnI_tVcmQdVdAg0eOa-puUQwgs/s320/SANY3796.JPG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The rock is not located at the top of the hill. You will have to climb a little more to get to the top. After you get to the top you can go right or left, as there is a trail that follows the ridge line of the hillside. I would suggest going to the right (heading towards Aikahi). Me and my brother Kory went to the left and had to trail blaze eventually. If you do go to the left watch out for barbed wire. It tends to be sorta hidden in the vegetation. In the background is a view of Kaneohe Bay. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">SURPRISE! We didn't even know it existed. You will get to this location if you decide to turn a right after you get to the top of the hill above the rock. This is a full blown elaborate bike park. It looks like a bunch of people took shovels, hammers, wood, and nails and built the thing with their bare hands. It was the coolest thing running through the trails of the bike park with my brothers. Some of the ramps though seemed quite scary. I wouldn't mind bringing a mountain bike out here and trying some of the trails though. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&msa=0&msid=118250265717386456364.00048750f1d0099ff9124&ll=21.412042,-157.757342&spn=0.006992,0.00912&z=16&output=embed" width="425"></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&msa=0&msid=118250265717386456364.00048750f1d0099ff9124&ll=21.412042,-157.757342&spn=0.006992,0.00912&z=16&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">kalaheo hillside hike</a> in a larger map</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij51EVFIti0zp-gFM7Cg_Of5c1E2YO2zA1lZxt-ZiI8sT1GXwRz5yT2p32fkPfgdDvFtvKZCoYzRGAhAxj4t5jjLrTn2rlJRvEpAQ55x7E1wPxQQ5lodFlfNgZoknU7g1aUSAK_3Hc3q0/s1600/SANY3804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij51EVFIti0zp-gFM7Cg_Of5c1E2YO2zA1lZxt-ZiI8sT1GXwRz5yT2p32fkPfgdDvFtvKZCoYzRGAhAxj4t5jjLrTn2rlJRvEpAQ55x7E1wPxQQ5lodFlfNgZoknU7g1aUSAK_3Hc3q0/s320/SANY3804.JPG" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Notice how whoever built the bike park did a good job of making these makeshift bridges. We all walked across and it seemed to be sturdy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Kalaheo Hillside Hike Experience</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">This hike was really fun as it offered outstanding views of Kailua and Kaneohe and had the bike park surprise. Next time I come I think I'll bring a bike on down and try some of the trails. You will notice that people really put a lot of effort into making this park. I hope you'll get a chance to experience the Kalaheo Hillside for yourself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hawaiian Language Glossary</b></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Kawainui: Big water</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Kainalu: Ocean wave</span><br />
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</div>Kyle B. Sasaokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260461581800773809noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074969826579116996.post-55894937574885500392010-05-20T08:53:00.000-10:002010-05-25T20:56:44.724-10:00Chuanzhusi 川主寺: The Friendly Town<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNyByNTX3mRxV7yEVKyMajU77SgYLc-SA-SkeQiHPzHaL3F0DrGMB4ysxC9nWLSQeS2p-PWM8hY2BZ5WKvpZFPtna0tdaclssoWfMjy5Kyol039PIUpswgG7LA7ULhzs1JR21hhH8R50/s1600/SANY0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNyByNTX3mRxV7yEVKyMajU77SgYLc-SA-SkeQiHPzHaL3F0DrGMB4ysxC9nWLSQeS2p-PWM8hY2BZ5WKvpZFPtna0tdaclssoWfMjy5Kyol039PIUpswgG7LA7ULhzs1JR21hhH8R50/s400/SANY0109.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Welcome to a place where time seems to stand still. Where the traditions of culture still thrive and people struggle to earn a living, all the while maintaining ultra-friendly personalities. This is Chuanzhusi. Chuanzhusi is located in Songpan County Sichuan Province. It is a town at the crossroads between Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong. I can confidently say that this was the friendliest Chinese town that I have ever visited. Friendly in the more family/caring sense. The people are still competing for your business, which will cause them to try to make prices higher than they should be, yet stay competitive. We bargained on everything, including food! Just because it was so darn expensive, we felt compelled to do it. It is quite encouraging when you can bargain better than the local nationals. That is what we were told by two visitors we met traveling from Hangzhou. We quickly made friends with them as they were a very young couple and quickly took fancy to our immature jokes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtGaw-lJ9PaWWglHYntst-DNllYqqC4XCAvwhrrP7V2wimXamsj2Qm_sKZw1YSvBkbnfbJ3Yzdd5Th3MRl25mXCUb06N-tUZ9rN8THyQuqCvslS8iApkfrpWh1zvS3DvBrkoFyzM05Yw/s1600/SANY0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtGaw-lJ9PaWWglHYntst-DNllYqqC4XCAvwhrrP7V2wimXamsj2Qm_sKZw1YSvBkbnfbJ3Yzdd5Th3MRl25mXCUb06N-tUZ9rN8THyQuqCvslS8iApkfrpWh1zvS3DvBrkoFyzM05Yw/s320/SANY0101.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Upon arrival to Chuanzhusi, we quickly noticed that the town was rather empty. Apparently it wasn't the peak season to travel to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong and there were lots of empty rooms throughout the whole town. These are absolutely perfect conditions to use your bargaining skills. We went from motel to motel asking if they had hot water and what price they were offering per night. Eventually we chopped the price from 100 RMB per night to 30 RMB per night! That was where we bargained for our food too. The food was so delicious, and unfortunately I was so hungry that in my ravenous ferver, I forgot to take photos of our sweet-sour fish (糖醋鱼) and Huiguo rou (回锅肉). The Chinese couple were stunned at our bargaining skills and kept talking about it. This strengthened my notion of Chinese culture putting heavy value on finding and obtaining the good sale. Besides we were traveling on a shoestring and it's not like my Korean travelmates had unlimited resources.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhS9IpnsLuxHn8FHsgB4GiPo-oUwFnPRPFgZG5mzBDW8t72161hUpH37KL7nMQLy7hOqWY9DuZIuXI14-148qav4QmKMAGegIWlP7hqWA0rr3x2_ACzx51pQyJzlgzpo5hbbyStx4_2YE/s1600/SANY0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhS9IpnsLuxHn8FHsgB4GiPo-oUwFnPRPFgZG5mzBDW8t72161hUpH37KL7nMQLy7hOqWY9DuZIuXI14-148qav4QmKMAGegIWlP7hqWA0rr3x2_ACzx51pQyJzlgzpo5hbbyStx4_2YE/s320/SANY0104.JPG" /></a></div>The surrounding town does not have much in the sightseeing category, but we did manage to get to a Buddhist temple. The temple we looked at seemed old and not kept as well. This was delightful as most temples in China seem to be kept for tourism, this one did not have that jive to it. Monks were walking around on the temple grounds and it felt authentic. Being fairly close to Tibet and so high up in altitude made me think that this was the closest thing to a Tibetan town that I might come across, if I ever make it out to Tibet of course, which I intend to one day. The ethnic minority is apparently the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qiang_people">Qiangzu</a> (羌族). Women apparently act as the head of the family, and that seemed to be actively practiced in Chuanzhusi. All business owners or at least the transactions were done with women. Talking to the locals was quite fun. I think they were probably very interested in us, as we were strange yet could speak Mandarin so we had the ability to discuss the differences we had. You could tell they were authentic too. They had real families to support who seemed to be doing ok, as I saw many children playing towards the end of the day. Although for the most part the town seemed to be authentically Qiang, there was evidence of tourism which was expected. The town makes much of its money off of tourists passing by. We came across a tacky dance class that reminded me of hula lessons given to tourists at lu'aus back home in Hawai'i. Of course this dance was not hula, but a dance of the Qiang people, which consisted of walking around in group circles, similar to Japanese Obon. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">The Chuanzhusi Experience</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I was really refreshed after my stay at Chuanzhusi. Our time in Songpan county with Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong was coming to an end and Chuanzhusi was an excellent way to close it off. We finally got to see the culture of the 'real' people that live in the area. Luckily we had the toursists from Hangzhou to do a little comparison. The Qiang as well as the tourists were both Chinese by nationality yet our tourists from Hangzhou knew just as much about the Qiang as an American and 3 South Koreans. Staying at Chuanzhusi will give you a mix of peace, relaxation, and a heckuva warm atmosphere in a rather cold place. We only stayed one night, but I wanted to stay more. I hope I can go back one day.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="360" width="580"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wgxxeLYKXDI&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&hd=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wgxxeLYKXDI&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&hd=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="580" height="360"></embed></object></div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iS5QYd-cE171RBK8LVBlp_J6HgQQEscatYfR67g_QALVa-6GOorsEWO6kYeRKSl9fNZ1uAArDSlCbTGU1XbixGvITKc0LIV4jnWZFfuVIMka3PbKHHYQYCHrdC9TMzV-joWmfpJq0mk/s1600/SANY0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iS5QYd-cE171RBK8LVBlp_J6HgQQEscatYfR67g_QALVa-6GOorsEWO6kYeRKSl9fNZ1uAArDSlCbTGU1XbixGvITKc0LIV4jnWZFfuVIMka3PbKHHYQYCHrdC9TMzV-joWmfpJq0mk/s320/SANY0105.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Banner at Chuanzhusi Temple</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEboG5d1GGErzY8DIzAFRvJYTFQrJ6YZRZ7pOaNPiVZjfUDuz-IBas3ivSlcz7c0mf-DAWEQABIXIvIFPm-_DD984ChDYeeb7NUPHPDof6ad_MUikfdtI0eLibsBVxV8R3-Bwr-VzPyM/s1600/SANY0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEboG5d1GGErzY8DIzAFRvJYTFQrJ6YZRZ7pOaNPiVZjfUDuz-IBas3ivSlcz7c0mf-DAWEQABIXIvIFPm-_DD984ChDYeeb7NUPHPDof6ad_MUikfdtI0eLibsBVxV8R3-Bwr-VzPyM/s320/SANY0106.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCJgs4OxqUkIYTeKAL1lEpr3XWYz70_2sf-8w_0P2jC3YUR-Wc5kxF7CXtid2qZQ1vCSRkGFhiZy_h6iszjiujtDxL342F1qLF7wkJpj5wu6Yr_m0WGQ9KsyTgs5CuH_69SXcJBZik9E/s1600/SANY0107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCJgs4OxqUkIYTeKAL1lEpr3XWYz70_2sf-8w_0P2jC3YUR-Wc5kxF7CXtid2qZQ1vCSRkGFhiZy_h6iszjiujtDxL342F1qLF7wkJpj5wu6Yr_m0WGQ9KsyTgs5CuH_69SXcJBZik9E/s320/SANY0107.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Notice the type of material used to build this structure which was next to the temple we went to visit. Looks like clay on dried grass. Supposedly it works very well as an insulator.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimd4N-lBEzJnE5UZlelMmOrsld6vR5uLBcsJ3qxc9YDCRav14ARKBKwSxMrQr1usuGcJAaIngH0Cy8_5KS-1TD0z47CzGd1cV340qRhozm0LxT7ZMHV_KVhFM-kH1J9w2o-YVsFGHTVIc/s1600/SANY0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimd4N-lBEzJnE5UZlelMmOrsld6vR5uLBcsJ3qxc9YDCRav14ARKBKwSxMrQr1usuGcJAaIngH0Cy8_5KS-1TD0z47CzGd1cV340qRhozm0LxT7ZMHV_KVhFM-kH1J9w2o-YVsFGHTVIc/s320/SANY0108.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The buildings of this town aren't that impressive, but the scenery of the surrounding mountains make up for it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqnV1cgnTZOC3KOuw7DJww2ce4dOMpU1cryli4xns8_UBwN8CtD8ssllHi4ObwjF2JUBQFJxuqiSBVLJs7uli-kR0xZQTIjerupXhjkPIKaGYd5U-ph7YDQD7wc4o9jQthRRtX-_txX8/s1600/SANY0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqnV1cgnTZOC3KOuw7DJww2ce4dOMpU1cryli4xns8_UBwN8CtD8ssllHi4ObwjF2JUBQFJxuqiSBVLJs7uli-kR0xZQTIjerupXhjkPIKaGYd5U-ph7YDQD7wc4o9jQthRRtX-_txX8/s320/SANY0115.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sorry about this blurry pic but I wanted to show the local beer next to the shop owner who sold it to us. The beer wasn't quite to my taste. Reminded me of caramel added to rum and coke with a little less rum.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Lonely Planet: China </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Below is the Lonely Planet Guidebook for China. I would highly recommend this as I often used this as a reference for a wide range of things from finding places to sleep to transportation to eating, and more. The important thing about traveling in China and most of Asia in general if you are on a budget is to get to know the prices of things. Guidebooks like Lonely Planet do a pretty good job at telling you approximately what price things should be so that you don't get ripped off. Click on the image and it will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase your own copy of the book. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/China-Country-Guide-David-Eimer/dp/1741048664?ie=UTF8&tag=blugreandevei-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="China (Country Guide)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1741048664&tag=blugreandevei-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blugreandevei-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1741048664" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/China-Country-Guide-David-Eimer/dp/1741048664?ie=UTF8&tag=blugreandevei-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">China (Country Guide)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blugreandevei-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1741048664" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></div>Kyle B. Sasaokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260461581800773809noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074969826579116996.post-48792323985539163832010-05-18T07:32:00.000-10:002010-05-19T20:56:19.597-10:00Huanglong 黄龙: Nicest Natural Pools on Earth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3BpbUL6ABrEAvwuhjRvALsKj-of_G9JV2ePOb7n3G-qPPIoKpto8kZvFqmzTrrDA5ZfjTIDJ0UzAuq6xpQD_dcj_07C3xz2unzLFNGkCVKJo43jaDIWPhSTWi04WjEnDOV1kQDaXgNk/s1600/SANY0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3BpbUL6ABrEAvwuhjRvALsKj-of_G9JV2ePOb7n3G-qPPIoKpto8kZvFqmzTrrDA5ZfjTIDJ0UzAuq6xpQD_dcj_07C3xz2unzLFNGkCVKJo43jaDIWPhSTWi04WjEnDOV1kQDaXgNk/s400/SANY0078.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The picture above is 100% real with no photoshop. Even seeing it up close it was hard to believe, for a while I thought they were man made. These are the pools of Huanglong. Huanglong means yellow or golden dragon and is supposed to resemble a dragon curving through the mountainous terrain of the area. Like <a href="http://bluegreenbetween.blogspot.com/2010/05/jiuzhaigou-valley-of-nine-villages.html">Jiuzhaigou</a>, Huanglong is also a UNESCO site and is deserving of the title. It is absolutely beautiful up there and seeing it with your own eyes is hard to describe. Also, the coloring which varies from green to yellow to blue are all caused by calcite deposits in the water just as in Jiuzhaigou.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">上面的照片是百分之百沒有用photoshop真的。連親眼看見很難相信,有一段時間我感覺是人造的。這是黃龍的彩池。爲什麽叫黃龍呢?因爲地區好像跟一條龍爬山一樣。黃龍也是一個風景名勝區,跟九寨溝一樣。黃龍鎮美麗,你絕對想不到。而且,顔色從綠色到黃色到藍色都由鈣化引起的。</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">以上の写真は本当に百パーセントフォトショップを使わなかった。自分の目で見ても信用しにくい。人造だったと思った。これは黄龍の池だ。なぜ黄龍の名前をもらったか?その地区は黄龍が山を登るように行きそうだからだ。九寨溝のようにユネスコ世界遺産だ。形容できないほど美しい。九寨溝のように水は方解石が入っている原因で緑色、黄色、青いがある。</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know it looks like an excellent place to swim, but keep your shirts on... We need to protect the beauty of the pools so it is strictly forbidden. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">我知道好像是個非常好的游泳的地方但別脫衣服,我們需要保護美麗所以禁止入水。 </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">泳ぐのがよさそうだがシャツ脱がないで、美しさを守らなければならないから禁止入水。</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TaKZ2diooPk6UJDgqQRj07deIZcRwT_DA6rL44D0SUOvIb6lHBCdaEtYkhg0c241rxoiJ84KClojGpEm_DlNqfvsv0mir261KFDD0Cqoi-jTJ2iocVBliD1s_K3-M7dXVggqOp7dvg8/s1600/SANY0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TaKZ2diooPk6UJDgqQRj07deIZcRwT_DA6rL44D0SUOvIb6lHBCdaEtYkhg0c241rxoiJ84KClojGpEm_DlNqfvsv0mir261KFDD0Cqoi-jTJ2iocVBliD1s_K3-M7dXVggqOp7dvg8/s400/SANY0086.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tree growing on an island...reminded me of Hawaii for a little bit</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">一棵小樹在小到上面,我想起了夏威夷</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">木が小さい島の上で植わる、ハワイの出身を覚えた </span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Getting to Huanglong</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">到黃龍</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">黄龍に到着</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Actually we went straight from Jiuzhaigou to Huanglong which is possible. You just need to pass through some towns and make some stops. The bus ride there takes you high up into the mountains. You are actually at a very high atltitude at Huanglong and you might notice it is a little difficult to breathe, as you still need to do some considerable walking. At some snack stations you can buy some oxygen, where you will see various Chinese tourists catching their breath. </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">其實我們從九寨溝一直到到黃龍,這時可能的。一直去的話你會順停在一些小村拿水等等。大巴車到山的高地。其實因爲高度很大你會意識到呼吸比較難,再説你還要爬樓梯。在一些小商店你會看見有中國的遊客買氧氣喘口氣。</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">実は九寨溝から黄龍までまっすぐ行った。黄龍に行くついでに水を取ったり、おトイレを使ったりするの。バスは大きい高度になるから呼吸するのが難しくなるかもしれない。後はまだ歩かなければならない。ある商店で酸素が買えて、呼吸が正常に戻る中国の観光客が見られる。</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><object height="360" width="580"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nPiyB6gbUPw&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&hd=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nPiyB6gbUPw&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&hd=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="580" height="360"></embed></object></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Huanglong Experience</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">黃龍的經驗</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">黄龍の経験</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Huanglong is like a miniature but not less awe inspiring version of Jiuzhaigou. The blue in the pools of Huanglong however, is much more vibrant. You will literally feel as if you are in heaven, as you are very near the clouds and surrounded by beautiful nature. Huanglong is definitely one of China's finest.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">黃龍好像是個小九寨溝但還是驚人的。彩池的藍色比九寨溝的明麗。因爲離美麗自然和云很近你會感覺到你到了天堂。黃龍一定是中國最好的地方之一。</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">黄龍は小さい九寨溝のようだがまだ驚嘆するレベルが同じだ。でも</span><span style="font-size: small;">黄龍の池は九寨溝の湖の青さよりも明るい。黄龍に行けば周囲は全部美しい自然と曇りだから天国にいる感じになる。黄龍は確かに中国の最高のところの一つ。</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Lonely Planet: China </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Below is the Lonely Planet Guidebook for China. I would highly recommend this as I often used this as a reference for a wide range of things from finding places to sleep to transportation to eating, and more. The important thing about traveling in China and most of Asia in general if you are on a budget is to get to know the prices of things. Guidebooks like Lonely Planet do a pretty good job at telling you approximately what price things should be so that you don't get ripped off. Click on the image and it will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase your own copy of the book. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/China-Country-Guide-David-Eimer/dp/1741048664?ie=UTF8&tag=blugreandevei-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="China (Country Guide)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1741048664&tag=blugreandevei-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blugreandevei-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1741048664" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/China-Country-Guide-David-Eimer/dp/1741048664?ie=UTF8&tag=blugreandevei-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">China (Country Guide)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blugreandevei-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1741048664" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></div>Kyle B. Sasaokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260461581800773809noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074969826579116996.post-81966928069742064442010-05-16T23:44:00.000-10:002010-05-17T21:45:39.571-10:00Jiuzhaigou 九寨沟: Valley of Nine Villages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iu_O26fXccx4dYURC212HGz6oTPpz8W9AS5DkjpMe4Qi1DztQPe9YFl7KfZrcfZyOwRRTK5b9MVe1sWZ6mw1kCar9dRQjRqTs4TILiYPoWm14Hf0o7MgTolx8WdcRyRBoX8p2ehODqQ/s1600/SANY0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iu_O26fXccx4dYURC212HGz6oTPpz8W9AS5DkjpMe4Qi1DztQPe9YFl7KfZrcfZyOwRRTK5b9MVe1sWZ6mw1kCar9dRQjRqTs4TILiYPoWm14Hf0o7MgTolx8WdcRyRBoX8p2ehODqQ/s400/SANY0019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Looking for the most beautiful place on earth? You need look no further than <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unesco">UNESCO</a> site, Jiuzhaigou. Jiuzhaigou, located in Sichuan Province literally means, "Valley of Nine Villages," and is named such because of the nine Tibetan villages located in the area. Fortunately we had the privilege of talking to some of the local Tibetans there, a very nice and hospitable people. Since the area is environmentally protected, agriculture is no longer practiced there, and the local population relies heavily on tourism to support their living.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXL01dOrsZz2lil5Tg3wSpUjrQ878kqk6QKl_U0ZCr00bHIlZvOZJaHoRp4Fz4DF31-fjn-uox4IDS84oRiM0b-jTR0mJSFkuf1_Zgxj6sp7YwOHKRSiT916V81q8LLuiKxGIkN_p4Rc/s1600/SANY0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXL01dOrsZz2lil5Tg3wSpUjrQ878kqk6QKl_U0ZCr00bHIlZvOZJaHoRp4Fz4DF31-fjn-uox4IDS84oRiM0b-jTR0mJSFkuf1_Zgxj6sp7YwOHKRSiT916V81q8LLuiKxGIkN_p4Rc/s400/SANY0021.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why the green color?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">After taking a look at the lakes in Jiuzhaigou one can definitely come to the conclusion that these lakes are indeed special. They have a tint of green in them and the water has a high concentration of calcium carbonate, giving it the color. Depending on the lake, the water can be very clear, and even have fish swimming in them. We ate some of the fish the first night staying at Jiuzhaigou, really delicious.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhmhxQr95sdwBhkVJao_eCZi9KEZsaeRYvHcuEkiONNVJuiD_va5JA6CX0EKZxbdWPz25b-EwiV5zdQNR26tG1QQCgCvnp7CXh9hE8dW31xDC80ZJWqo-Q3DcTmUofTrwRWZjp8BkkSo/s1600/SANY0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhmhxQr95sdwBhkVJao_eCZi9KEZsaeRYvHcuEkiONNVJuiD_va5JA6CX0EKZxbdWPz25b-EwiV5zdQNR26tG1QQCgCvnp7CXh9hE8dW31xDC80ZJWqo-Q3DcTmUofTrwRWZjp8BkkSo/s400/SANY0024.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Nuorilang Waterfall (诺日朗瀑布)</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of the most spectacular sites was Nuorilang Waterfall . It was a wide waterfall that felt so nice because of the mist it generated on that hot day. It is supposedly the widest highland waterfall in all of China.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawfFBhX9auz7Tpuq6ytaMUyAe4AKni1Z7YjLzmxO19iYT87yhU4UYxR3loIj5XP-2RI4wFVTai1DeQ-4m9kFiJn92R7hdGYTvpYFcOjOv9EedtqFVs9N3RMgY-pqq4rocrD_PZKIFxmA/s1600/SANY0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawfFBhX9auz7Tpuq6ytaMUyAe4AKni1Z7YjLzmxO19iYT87yhU4UYxR3loIj5XP-2RI4wFVTai1DeQ-4m9kFiJn92R7hdGYTvpYFcOjOv9EedtqFVs9N3RMgY-pqq4rocrD_PZKIFxmA/s400/SANY0040.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nuorilang Waterfall</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMZN3gGOjTA8tWYwHlipeQkOsEla5OenMvNbWDpWMj6o96wjZpXiKuHn9g96EHULZHn-3hcD0kyUNNEmVfEIMeJkmyoE58qg1Rvrz08oXoRx7sRwSR11dNRzqCfxwgC9Y0Z9cTXiObIU/s1600/SANY0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMZN3gGOjTA8tWYwHlipeQkOsEla5OenMvNbWDpWMj6o96wjZpXiKuHn9g96EHULZHn-3hcD0kyUNNEmVfEIMeJkmyoE58qg1Rvrz08oXoRx7sRwSR11dNRzqCfxwgC9Y0Z9cTXiObIU/s400/SANY0052.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jiuzhaigou Fishies</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Getting to Jiuzhaigou</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">We took the hard way. This involved taking a bus from Guangyuan straight to the mouth of Jiuzhaigou (the town right before the site). Because of the 2008 earthquake in Sichuan, the road was BUMPY... and I mean in the worst sense. People were carrying and passing around black plastic bags puking the whole way there. Luckily we could all handle the ride. For the traveler with a little extra cash, I would suggest buying the plane ticket in. But then again, you'll miss the cool towns and scenery along the way.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><object height="360" width="580"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eSqRJVGvuRA&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&hd=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eSqRJVGvuRA&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&hd=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="580" height="360"></embed></object></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Jiuzhaigou Experience</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">From interacting with an interesting local culture to seeing breathtaking views of unique lakes and landscapes, this was a trip that will definitely never be forgotten. Luckily Yeonchang suggested we go there, as my original plans did not account for it. How lucky to have had him make the suggestion. Getting off the train from Xian to Guangyuan was something else. Since Guangyuan is the main town where tourists catch the bus to Jiuzhaigou, hordes of people are waiting for you to give them business outside train station. Don't be frightened though, for the most part the people of Guangyuan are very hospitable, and if you don't go during peak season, you can find real bargains in the area. Be ready to practice your Mandarin though, and believe me, the Mandarin of the Chinese in Guangyuan is difficult to understand. The journey to Jiuzhaigou sucked, I'm not going to lie. But the memories surely didn't, and the good by far outweighed the bad. Give Jiuzhaigou a try, you'll never forget it. </span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Lonely Planet: China </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Below is the Lonely Planet Guidebook for China. I would highly recommend this as I often used this as a reference for a wide range of things from finding places to sleep to transportation to eating, and more. The important thing about traveling in China and most of Asia in general if you are on a budget is to get to know the prices of things. Guidebooks like Lonely Planet do a pretty good job at telling you approximately what price things should be so that you don't get ripped off. Click on the image and it will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase your own copy of the book. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/China-Country-Guide-David-Eimer/dp/1741048664?ie=UTF8&tag=blugreandevei-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="China (Country Guide)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1741048664&tag=blugreandevei-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blugreandevei-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1741048664" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/China-Country-Guide-David-Eimer/dp/1741048664?ie=UTF8&tag=blugreandevei-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">China (Country Guide)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blugreandevei-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1741048664" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></div>Kyle B. Sasaokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260461581800773809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074969826579116996.post-11736092801346372142010-05-14T18:56:00.000-10:002010-05-14T20:07:28.343-10:00Xian 西安: Ancient Capital<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Western Peace</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The name Xian (西安) in Chinese means western peace. It is one of China's most important cities especially for history and culture and my experience there was nothing less than wonderful. My time in Xian was spent with my three Korean friends that I brought from Beijing with me. Minchul (민철), Sunghyun (성현), and my other friend Yeonchang (연창), set off to Xian to accomplish three things. Climb Mt. Hua, see the terracotta warriors, and see one of the biggest fountainshows in China. Well we accomplished what we set out to do, and it was a blast. This wasn't without the pain though. In a rather ill planned move, we decided to take all of our gear (computer, clothes, snacks, and some water) with us up Mt. Hua. This was over 2000 m of pure stairs... our legs were hurting for weeks after. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmRL4ZE5hb6d79i6Wt6Rwbju1UjHO_JrRn2yaRCkEaiMviW_RAwIHZ93bR10T88JkrIxWtjijfu9NgRtpmwRxiW77-UGciDBDCAnd0Y73nte6v4O2ThEppL0OcS2KjqiycQSDNdUO2gE/s1600/SANY0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmRL4ZE5hb6d79i6Wt6Rwbju1UjHO_JrRn2yaRCkEaiMviW_RAwIHZ93bR10T88JkrIxWtjijfu9NgRtpmwRxiW77-UGciDBDCAnd0Y73nte6v4O2ThEppL0OcS2KjqiycQSDNdUO2gE/s320/SANY0036.JPG" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of the peaks of Mt. Hua</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Most of the Chinese climbing Mt. Hua do it with minimal gear. The drawback to this is that you need to buy the overpriced bottled water that the locals haul up the mountain everyday on their back. I guess this is ok seeing that it is how they make their living. Do not be fooled though, it is a general rule of thumb that the higher you go, the more expensive the water. Sometimes the locals will try to charge your more at the lower levels though, so just bargain a little saying that if you don't make it a little cheaper, you'll just go to the next pit stop and buy. Also, keep in mind that at the top, you will most likely want to eat something. There are small places you can buy water, pastries, and instant noodles on the way and on the top, but the instant noodles are a million times more expensive than what they are worth on the ground. So plan accordingly if you are traveling on a budget like we were.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gsT99WzReJ1ptbBsiMY2NVi4whwFmIIRvhUg_xYldscIE2W52Yf3ClkA5-qUUUgxrY1Bwa9N9A7Zc9RVqvpynBg6AiLDvVOsBY5m81C-s8FexHYy6VaDApEyEjUPaj04VwUL19Ls26I/s1600/SANY0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gsT99WzReJ1ptbBsiMY2NVi4whwFmIIRvhUg_xYldscIE2W52Yf3ClkA5-qUUUgxrY1Bwa9N9A7Zc9RVqvpynBg6AiLDvVOsBY5m81C-s8FexHYy6VaDApEyEjUPaj04VwUL19Ls26I/s320/SANY0046.JPG" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">On the way down Mt. Hua</span><br />
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<object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/g7E1iPuIKEw&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&hd=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/g7E1iPuIKEw&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&hd=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Terracotta Warriors</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The terracotta warriors (兵马俑) were to be honest, less spectacular than I thought. Ok history buffs, don't get too mad. It's just that before I got to the site, I could have sworn that I've seen pictures that were much more spectacular than what I saw. What is interesting though, is to see that there are still Indiana Jones' doing their research on the warriors and digging them up. BUT, even if it wasn't that spectacular, I would still say that it is a must for people coming to visit China. I mean, isn't that what most people would ask you when you get back from a trip to China? "Did you see the terracotta warriors?" If you say no... then boo on you.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5UY_x4jm-Mwe4frVv24ptJpAM0NJt7R1040Xfd3iYfZc2UkhtchYJSOjIGDCDJCNeGjJA_0kwAcJGFxC4vQ09sLjpUtXQBFiJxI3m2PuanuyAlSJjWz44gH1bUBhwPacrClsDvFODas/s1600/SANY0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5UY_x4jm-Mwe4frVv24ptJpAM0NJt7R1040Xfd3iYfZc2UkhtchYJSOjIGDCDJCNeGjJA_0kwAcJGFxC4vQ09sLjpUtXQBFiJxI3m2PuanuyAlSJjWz44gH1bUBhwPacrClsDvFODas/s320/SANY0056.JPG" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">View of dug up terracotta warriors</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGlMBKs3aw66DqWIr6StQCTgbJ_liMKdkCAKQEF-kYl2mkLBqj-cr1rC5nIT0bdUFc9HNw0EVUd7-L9C-p1av3KUMbj1wmu8PKdkoLsRSnhUeneEo-eoq0CNhBZ5wokcJLVX9kWvfTCs/s1600/SANY0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGlMBKs3aw66DqWIr6StQCTgbJ_liMKdkCAKQEF-kYl2mkLBqj-cr1rC5nIT0bdUFc9HNw0EVUd7-L9C-p1av3KUMbj1wmu8PKdkoLsRSnhUeneEo-eoq0CNhBZ5wokcJLVX9kWvfTCs/s320/SANY0057.JPG" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I believe this was a swordsman without the sword in his hands</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLepfdI6R6K_Hwpkz-yoTcwM5MBTLahuU8VlVXjyuaG2ZqaLyoXKgpo6QTS3RLfoIeFydS_2rX8sKv2-rBZj4RGD9vKUWZHBZIPcvmJEVgzc8clnAtiXRa6Vz_jTa0Zgt3aUiEvYo9H_M/s1600/SANY0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLepfdI6R6K_Hwpkz-yoTcwM5MBTLahuU8VlVXjyuaG2ZqaLyoXKgpo6QTS3RLfoIeFydS_2rX8sKv2-rBZj4RGD9vKUWZHBZIPcvmJEVgzc8clnAtiXRa6Vz_jTa0Zgt3aUiEvYo9H_M/s320/SANY0062.JPG" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Notice the difference between this archer and the swordsman above. There were generals, and horsement among other warriors too, each with their specific jobs, and different appearances to reflect that.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Yangrou Paomo (羊肉泡馍)</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">After seeing the terracotta warriors boy were we hungry. We decided to eat the unique food to Xian... Yangrou Paomo or literally, "Lamb Meat Foam Pieces," tastes better than it sounds. If you go and eat some, don't be fooled by the pieces of bread that are placed on the table before you. You are supposed to pulverize those pieces of bread with your bare hands until you make very small chunks with them. Stick the chunks in your bowl, and when everyone is ready, call the waitress over. She will take those chunks to the kitchen where the chef will pour the special soup and lamb chunks over the pulverized bread you just made. Add your own cilantro after if you like, or any additional condiments. What you end up with is a Xian-licious meal.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWP0Lncy_bZtMvOI2HlaMVEF2YO-yH_lRuIxJactUb3eWA6M_DtU6IW8QgrW6mMNUrkqQNuXuurG7Qw1zVHUx6uM-zV5QuUaebNBSD9ydsoIfo7VgvdeRGBgH9_DXdt9XhhltMJEwBcM/s1600/SANY0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWP0Lncy_bZtMvOI2HlaMVEF2YO-yH_lRuIxJactUb3eWA6M_DtU6IW8QgrW6mMNUrkqQNuXuurG7Qw1zVHUx6uM-zV5QuUaebNBSD9ydsoIfo7VgvdeRGBgH9_DXdt9XhhltMJEwBcM/s320/SANY0065.JPG" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Seonghyeon (right), Minchul (middle), and Vincent (left) making their bread chunks</span><br />
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<object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9nNMm2DOyzk&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&hd=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9nNMm2DOyzk&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&hd=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Xian Musical Fountainshow (音乐喷水)</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Not only do you get to see a musical fountainshow in Xian, but you also get to play in it. This was totally unexpected, but we saw other Chinese making their way into the fountainshow when the show started to get intense. This was definitely one of the most fun and memorable events in all of my travels. It starts around 8pm nightly and is definitely a good way to enjoy yourself if you are on a budget... it is FREE!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoNDFTfWxnHhfwuO6vUDqPd3QWZglnsg84F6ltSItVF_QMDDT_CO4fD-xej01izWu5A4DTOZp3Cmkmwk1Mu2hcywyqra0TdV7D9RAy7i5v8oUVf0NdoP3_R0pTKq-rQ27oeiYy0COIbw/s1600/SANY0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoNDFTfWxnHhfwuO6vUDqPd3QWZglnsg84F6ltSItVF_QMDDT_CO4fD-xej01izWu5A4DTOZp3Cmkmwk1Mu2hcywyqra0TdV7D9RAy7i5v8oUVf0NdoP3_R0pTKq-rQ27oeiYy0COIbw/s320/SANY0076.JPG" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Xian Musical Fountainshow</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/epG2fy3xn_Y&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&hd=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/epG2fy3xn_Y&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&hd=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Xian Experience</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was in Xian for only two days but experienced so much. This was the beginning of a long journey that began in Beijing and went through China and Southeast Asia and eventually to Japan. Xian is an ancient city but it is still vibrant and hip. Young people are out and about during the night and enjoying stuff like the fountainshow. I would recommend Xian to anyone wanting to travel to China. Ancient history and modern culture rolled into one... I know it sounds like most Chinese cities, but trust me, Xian is special.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Lonely Planet: China </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Below is the Lonely Planet Guidebook for China. I would highly recommend this as I often used this as a reference for a wide range of things from finding places to sleep to transportation to eating, and more. The important thing about traveling in China and most of Asia in general if you are on a budget is to get to know the prices of things. Guidebooks like Lonely Planet do a pretty good job at telling you approximately what price things should be so that you don't get ripped off. Click on the image and it will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase your own copy of the book. </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/China-Country-Guide-David-Eimer/dp/1741048664?ie=UTF8&tag=blugreandevei-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="China (Country Guide)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1741048664&tag=blugreandevei-20" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=blugreandevei-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1741048664" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/China-Country-Guide-David-Eimer/dp/1741048664?ie=UTF8&tag=blugreandevei-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">China (Country Guide)</a></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/China-Country-Guide-David-Eimer/dp/1741048664?ie=UTF8&tag=blugreandevei-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><br />
</a></div></div>Kyle B. Sasaokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260461581800773809noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074969826579116996.post-20435717147349696502010-05-11T09:43:00.000-10:002010-05-11T19:36:41.080-10:00Brief Maui Encounter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-right: 1em;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PQ6GQOrvjjSeCdXxENIhWcdNM1JUZdIYeFTqkIQem5ckZjRSjVJcw2jNcFKKoI4zr6YHwrX2lZC5t8uVUAQ6JONkEZZqIzvlSa2A0ceM0tjYl7Pc7Q84qcdHJkzhzI4gvWttlN2b-lE/s400/SANY3635.JPG" width="400" /></div><br />
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<table style="width: auto;"><tbody> </tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">Recently there was a state tournament for Hawai'i high school baseball held on the island of Maui 5/5/10 - 5/9/10. I was lucky enough to be able to leave my O'ahu island home to watch the tournament with my mom, dad, and two brothers (the youngest one competing in the tourney). Before leaving I was ecstatic. Not only was I going to be able to watch the baseball game and root for my hometown (Kailua), but I was also going to be able to see Maui. Maui, otherwise known as the Valley Isle, is the second largest island in the Hawaiian Archipelago, and definitely one of the most beautiful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh but let's not forget Maui's favorite manju and Guri Guri ice cream! In addition there are some really 'ono* places to eat. Da Kitchen Express in Kihei was absolutely delicious, where I've tried the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loco_moco">Loco Moco</a>, Fish Tempura, and Banana Cream Pie. The servings were so big! Luckily I had my mom, dad, and brother to share the food with.</span><br />
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<tr align="middle"><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0Fo6lmVLXD8XdpNk2T95dz1wgrolWD6K7XW220MX7RZASQUy6_NoYOEGKwVrB8i271k3WltB4cChi3VN0e2Y7AqcLlUr7vG3RWSvDkDkJJtzUoPexQ1rVCQcT-c4NpMLiLqlp9bG97Q/s400/SANY3606.JPG" width="400" /></span></div></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Famous Guri Guri Ice Cream Store</span></td></tr>
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<tr align="left"><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Guri Guri Icecream with the two flavors Pineapple on top and Strawberry on the bottom</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijL5s5ugkYVDyh2Afqm5x_H6NRCGHio8a7gmcDJydDiHFI6SMlgebqj9u37bsfvS1Km5buUrDM-JWG6IOqm1AskbKu_wUCuXTwqeLnk4J2Mu_PPx4JW0FjUvKaDj5S15DZHtod8tM9Lo/s400/SANY3693.JPG" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Da Kitchen Express Kihei</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggn2x3NUiJqvDQIfzP-umSueSVgr-co1ciX2gqC1sb6TlZsqnZtmelRcrDZ1igKScRpWaWnYyCXOwjCezx67piO2A9FZM4iCCoCivpZoyXuaxZpGP8mTlY50R47-DAC57u9WYL9sHEsJo/s400/SANY3695.JPG" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fish Tempura (Left) Banana Cream Pie (Middle) Loco Moco (Right) from Da Kitchen</span></td></tr>
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<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Places Visited</span></b></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Most of the trip was spent in either Wailuku, where the baseball tournament was held, or in Kihei where our hotel, the Maui Banyan was located. In addition to that though I made two trips, one from Kihei to Honolua Bay, and another from Wailuku to Haiku, that were the most memorable. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The baseball tournament was held in Maehara Stadium located in Wailuku next to the War Memorial Stadium. Maehara Stadium was built in 1973 and showed some signs of its age. Winds were always strong there, blowing in directly from the coast, which always made it cold to sit in the shade.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmUq7GPkqbemqJEzJdz1Xe01_etX-OCtPCmisdqcDZEjiIFTfngW97IToDUZfodgRAH5DaVZBBEXS07419kaAs070iOg2BT43L8Isw3Z9WJyIneF2Y88fxos5LlJAU0_Zaw0Np5t5ipM/s400/SANY3614.JPG" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Maehara Stadium</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqKsMoGMzY7zh06C-gKWnYMcNx1w_Rc8a8-Cm3QIq2HzmWl7QQr1tGQdywm25CdXi9EOau8hxliUtWuaoYDvspi73QA6D6_UPIeNoSgG7gvFgExEREsdt41JQb2uSGvuou5qAeC9pB1g/s400/SANY3618.JPG" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My brother Kory makes a run for third base</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Most of the time spent after the games was at the hotel having a barbecue outside and having a good time. One of the nights we decided to buy local, so we went to Takamiya Market in Kihei to get our meat. The meat was so 'ono* and it felt really good to support the local economy. People from Maui always seem open to strike up a conversation with, and the Mauians in Takamiya Market were definitely of the hospitable kind. </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Kihei to Honolua</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The road from Kihei to Honolua offers some spectacular views. Since there was a game that day at 1:30 p.m. the goal was to make it all the way to Honolua Bay and back by 1:00 p.m. We started at 8:30 a.m. and we were able to do it in time. On the way we passed Kalama Park, with the beach full of stand-up paddle boarders. Near the park entrance there is a huge model of a humpback whale. Humpback whales come to the area every year. Next we passed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kealia_Pond">Kealia Pond</a> then <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maalaea,_Hawaii">Mā<span class="okina" style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode,sans-serif;">ʻ</span>alaea</a>* which offered some spectacular views. From Mā</span><span class="okina" style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode,sans-serif; font-size: large;">ʻ</span><span style="font-size: large;">alaea to Oluwalu you have to drive through windy roads with dry scenery. What is nice around here is that you get to see Molokai island up close. Next we drove through <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahaina">Lahaina</a>* and finally down to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honolua">Honolua Bay</a>. Lahaina used to be the capital of the Hawaii from 1820 till 1845 and was a whaling town. As a result there are many historical sites in Lahaina making it a really interesting town. Honolua* Bay apparently consists of two parts. One for snorkeling and the other for surfers. We only stayed at the snorkeling part, as we didn't have much time to explore.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15__WoNFY0tFsoXLjv7Xyh-w2rC206V6mKrict5X8vkXrjlWpI6LMzhLpbq6ybL55derdaZUy7GRjxbmrhKDC4OryL_INoU0utNzfsjYZ7zehktTvlS69Lz0rlXy6bQT2TWYWcth5yLE/s400/SANY3650.JPG" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kalama Park</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXC7rgqUAy5-LXMSc6luUEZt8tCRyrkLru2I5hPx2LfYvqf8VxuU15CdpfBdK4D1EKnEKo3HxXx88MZhAwqNKTvWC8LNwe0IwfJIAl7bf59u_ava8rORNRr_Pl_aDCJXzJ3caFjdyz110/s400/SANY3655.JPG" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Between Mā</span><span class="okina" style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode,sans-serif; font-size: large;">ʻ</span><span style="font-size: large;">alaea and Oluwalu</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSP9sAYvrTGdouO-FdyyppXMXvpPwwSs1JuY4XZuX-YsRUc2J-JJnMIc0grVBh7D4yf5Ys4TRuvLhj95khUm8J-Ti8jq_3n_X6gzWJ_MUx7JlPKGVfeI3q5SVlAq6khmYzMxi4Sh-XxqU/s400/SANY3676.JPG" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Old Fort in Lahaina</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlzbCOjNqo7LJz_460RiCnXJgU61NxlNKWTAUoiASRdFsxnW92G3Ns2bOCBoOS-w7YUxaodMcgIsNrnqtHm76nbDuZmh6E_Ywnw9GKJSJbuaYh3QjWOenAtYp_VwhvaUXcRtr7CbxxXk/s400/SANY3684.JPG" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.hawaiiweb.com/maui/html/sites/banyan_tree.html">Banyan Tree Park</a> in Lahaina (one of the largest in the world)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJGdMry-MuzSGlYF2GoKj4yCqTGb7L4dX2O5utm4D_wXK_9jWB9noszT5R3G-hLE_ptCWfY1kS-HSJi_SmQXVgA_rjmOr6NGxS5xSD3pFpOYox0DFuyUvaoYG4-HUM5yNRR6PNtdOpqA/s400/SANY3687.JPG" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Old Lahaina Prison</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxBeTf2XD51C8IhAX27Q6PTtRKSL_SqLYQ8VFmFI9ThMswoeng41wI39HCzC-WQQnwEitF_cre3pPOD0y2s11fdjGOnXaA_E3nB6tTpAlXi_qrfiSqzYhbFMOimGo1o-IhfeJAy2ezc4/s400/SANY3671.JPG" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Honolua Bay</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Wailuku to Haiku</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">This trip was taken with my mother and her friend, Maui resident Laurie. From Wailuku we made our way to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paia,_Hawaii">Pā<span class="okina" style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode,sans-serif;">ʻ</span>ia</a>* passed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho%27okipa">Ho'okipa Beach Park</a> and finally paid a visit to Haiku. This trip was also very scenic as we got to see better views of Haleakalā. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paia,_Hawaii">Pā<span class="okina" style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode,sans-serif;">ʻ</span>ia</a> is a very hippie town with many small shops selling things ranging from antiques to all-hemp products. It is a sight to see, and a must if you are seeking for a cultural tour of Maui. Next we stopped by at Ho'okipa* Beach Park. Ho'okipa is the windsurfing capital of the world, and yes, there were a lot of windsurfers when we got there. Finally Laurie took us to her town of Haiku, a little ways up the road headed to the higher parts of Haleakalā*. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnerXjMk40GZeD-fyotFrmLAfZpGzjhQAzPiXNISs3GnM-HPBY1SctNuthneKIm-ZBAvHOPwRcf_BJcjtoPzzOtuE2iGHjT7LrHMSP89xYJzSqHgIHzaZZQEaPa4pC7Z5BF51J8Nkmv-g/s400/SANY3729.JPG" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The sign at Ho'okipa Park has experienced its share of poetic license</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBSPUI5QvQZBe2TLzRBNqROBNS2djnkBa6mf-zM88y3OYtI1zU_WlpU8ETB4bW8nyA9knFccogZ0hGh04Q9qGSHP5tZAhfYciFrypxhZX9A-TLWlN-Y239CWP-Iry5X7j1LLEJCCDSOM/s400/SANY3728.JPG" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Apparently you can drink alcohol in county parks in Maui</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QZ-D39Ir9bJAcWLF37Dmz9KWzWahUAc0AJWkxUX3YkpL6Eyfar23hOqSc6SkC00FozxglfGtmz6WjdbNUlDeDteUkmIXUVqLhsKnzaYERORj2HSQRE7V1YlN2galWkfAsZXebIYU6Os/s400/SANY3731.JPG" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Windsurfing capital of the world Ho'okipa</span></td></tr>
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iao_Valley"><b><span class="okina" style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode,sans-serif;">ʻ</span>Īao Valley</b></a></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The final day me, my brother, and dad took a quick trip up to </span><span class="okina" style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode,sans-serif; font-size: large;">ʻ</span><span style="font-size: large;">Īao* Valley where the famous </span><span class="okina" style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode,sans-serif; font-size: large;">ʻ</span><span style="font-size: large;">Īao Needle is located. </span><span class="okina" style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode,sans-serif; font-size: large;">ʻ</span><span style="font-size: large;">Īao Valley was the site of the battle of Kepaniwai* between Kamehameha the Great and Kalanikūpule. The valley is actually rainforest and one can still see the locals going for a swim in </span><span class="okina" style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode,sans-serif; font-size: large;">ʻ</span><span style="font-size: large;">Īao Stream below. The needle itself served as a lookout point for invaders in ancient Hawaiian times, but hiking the needle looks near impossible. Kalo (Taro) is still grown here and it offers a glimpse into the lifestyles of the Hawaiians of old.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr align="center"><td><span style="font-size: large;"><img height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQzotD5oeTna3EXhliEu1leZPKUNZjBykDv_5OTu0SadCqVZbDCyIB3ctcMFjTL_hFkRb2r9-R2PxVwGMxkeY3Jukufw3M_kED87J0UT8wLH_Hk5uQ4T6G4fRdO7anPUk0gKStsqfZog/s400/SANY3763.JPG" width="300" /></span></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span class="okina" style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode,sans-serif; font-size: large;">ʻ</span><span style="font-size: large;">Īao Needle<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kbsasaoka/BlueGreenAndEverythingInBetween?feat=embedwebsite"></a></span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Too Short of a Trip</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">On this trip to Maui I didn't even get to see the sunrise on Haleakalā or experience the road to Hana and all of its beauty within my 5 days there. Those things will definitely get priority on my list of things to do next time I get to Maui. Everytime I leave Maui I am a little sad. The people and the beauty of the island makes you want to stay... and oh yes, the food! I hope I have the opportunity to go again soon. As my mom told me several times on the trip, "Here today, gone to Maui!" </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Map of Places Visited </b></span></div></div><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&msa=0&msid=118250265717386456364.0004865ebd2d1cedcb29d&ll=20.879343,-156.476898&spn=0.449088,0.583649&z=10&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&msa=0&msid=118250265717386456364.0004865ebd2d1cedcb29d&ll=20.879343,-156.476898&spn=0.449088,0.583649&z=10&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">Brief Maui Encounter</a> in a larger map</small><br />
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<div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Hawaiian Language Glossary</span></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">'ono: Delicious</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mā<span class="okina" style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode,sans-serif;">ʻ</span>alaea: Ocherous earth beginnings</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lahaina: Cruel sun (Lahaina can get very hot)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Honolua: Two bays</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pā<span class="okina" style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode,sans-serif;">ʻ</span>ia: Noisy</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ho'okipa: Hospitality</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Haleakalā: House of the Sun</span><span class="okina" style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="okina" style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode,sans-serif; font-size: large;">ʻ</span><span style="font-size: large;">Īao: Cloud supreme</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kepaniwai: Damming of the waters (the Battle of Kepaniwai was so bloody that the rivers were dammed with dead bodies)</span></div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iao_Valley"><span class="okina" style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode,sans-serif;"></span></a><span class="okina" style="font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode,sans-serif;"></span><b> </b></div></div></div></div>Kyle B. Sasaokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260461581800773809noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074969826579116996.post-55228596462311765122010-05-05T00:04:00.000-10:002010-05-05T00:41:07.271-10:00Bodyboarding Philosophy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpq4UwwISHGq2_glodcf-_15jDwO21AejXiQExCMJ34GJHoUPV-rta_0Y020mAbpDqV60JMuU87CnJMlStEp0DEYpacD927c5MY7nTcUxPduEdKYmef5ITCu7DhOtvhVrpdXsVRoyjXc/s1600/SANY3587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpq4UwwISHGq2_glodcf-_15jDwO21AejXiQExCMJ34GJHoUPV-rta_0Y020mAbpDqV60JMuU87CnJMlStEp0DEYpacD927c5MY7nTcUxPduEdKYmef5ITCu7DhOtvhVrpdXsVRoyjXc/s400/SANY3587.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">View of Makapu'u Beach </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The day is cloudy, but who cares?! You hear the waves are nice and all is good in the world. Why? Because it's perfect conditions to get out there and bodyboard. That is what my brother Kurt and our good family friends, brothers Matt and Keenan decided to do this past weekend. It was my first time seeing bodyboarding done in such a seemingly effortless and graceful fashion. It looked fun, and I wish I could do it like them. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">See Kurt, Matt, and Keenan in Action!</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDFco2_2sfQ8K9mEh9eQDdoKkinYA17y0sqOWPhV2DQS-Kj4uok7HUiyxAr7LYUI23rKtzO7PsoBSrLYOHsKDNLTaDgSf4nnRy-VtOHHdhKsrAXe2zge4gG3YIrtUe2hhTx1DW_nCI6c/s1600/SANY3601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TAdr-wNRAGs&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TAdr-wNRAGs&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Moves</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">"There are about 8 main moves although the pros will usually add to them to make their own," says my brother Kurt. The moves consist of forward spin, reverse spin, rollo, ars (air roll spin), backflip, air forward, air reverse, and invert. To master all of these moves, it will take some time. But once you master one, such as the spin, it will get easier very quickly. Bodyboarding requires a board of course which is around $170 and fins which are around $60. Prices of course may vary depending on quality and brand.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Makapu'u Light House</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDFco2_2sfQ8K9mEh9eQDdoKkinYA17y0sqOWPhV2DQS-Kj4uok7HUiyxAr7LYUI23rKtzO7PsoBSrLYOHsKDNLTaDgSf4nnRy-VtOHHdhKsrAXe2zge4gG3YIrtUe2hhTx1DW_nCI6c/s1600/SANY3601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDFco2_2sfQ8K9mEh9eQDdoKkinYA17y0sqOWPhV2DQS-Kj4uok7HUiyxAr7LYUI23rKtzO7PsoBSrLYOHsKDNLTaDgSf4nnRy-VtOHHdhKsrAXe2zge4gG3YIrtUe2hhTx1DW_nCI6c/s400/SANY3601.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Makapu'u Beach For Bodyboarders</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The beach itself has very nice views. It is where the southern end of the Ko'olau mountains reaches the ocean. The famous Makapu'u Lighthouse is also in ready view. Mānana Island (Rabbit Island) and Kāohikaipu Islet can also be seen, adding to the ocean horizon. For bodyboarders, the beach is broken up into two main areas. One of them is on the right hand side of the beach and is called Keiki Corner. This is because the waves a bit smaller and are meant for the younger children (Keiki means child). The other section on the left is called Generals and is meant for little more experienced bodyboarders.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=21.311845,-157.658079&spn=0.004748,0.009645&t=h&msid=118250265717386456364.000485d588284e328dd0a&output=embed" width="425"></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=21.311845,-157.658079&spn=0.004748,0.009645&t=h&msid=118250265717386456364.000485d588284e328dd0a&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">Makapu'u Beach for Bodyboarders</a> in a larger map</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Rabbit Island in the back with Kāohikaipu Islet in the front</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2238/2129182555_64b37108bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2238/2129182555_64b37108bb.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Try it Yourself!</b></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bodyboarders do what they do because it is fun. They do it for the rush. If you ask them, they will tell you that it is one of the greatest relievers of stress there is in the universe. What is greater than taking on what is thrown at you, and riding it to make it fun?! Imagine if you could use that same mentality for when your boss yells at you, or when you</span><span style="font-size: large;"> suddenly</span><span style="font-size: large;"> have less time to make that deadline. Watching Kurt, Matt, and Keenan glide across those waves, I have come to realize that bodyboarding is much more than just plain old fun. It is a philosophy that you can apply to your everyday life. If you want to go but don't have a board and fins and are a newbie, leave a comment stating your interest and we'll figure something out for you.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Hawaiian Language Glossary</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Makapu'u:</b> Bulging Eyes. A stone on the point below the light was said to have eight portrusions resembling eyes.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mānana:</b> Buoyant. (Also known as Rabbit Island because it was once inhabited by introduced rabbits. Since the rabbits were destroying the ecosystem they were eradicated)</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <b>Kāohikaipu:</b> The container that gathers. (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flotsam_and_jetsam">Flotsam</a> collects here)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDFco2_2sfQ8K9mEh9eQDdoKkinYA17y0sqOWPhV2DQS-Kj4uok7HUiyxAr7LYUI23rKtzO7PsoBSrLYOHsKDNLTaDgSf4nnRy-VtOHHdhKsrAXe2zge4gG3YIrtUe2hhTx1DW_nCI6c/s1600/SANY3601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Kyle B. Sasaokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260461581800773809noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074969826579116996.post-66828757329372915552010-04-30T20:32:00.000-10:002010-05-14T19:08:21.716-10:00Olomana Hike: Three Steep Peaks<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rokano.com/gallery/albums/photography/Mt_Olomana.sized.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.rokano.com/gallery/albums/photography/Mt_Olomana.sized.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 316px; width: 402px;" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Legend of Olomana</span><br />
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Mount Olomana is one of the most spectacular hikes on the island of Oahu. The three peaks actually all have different names, but the whole geographical feature is commonly known as Olomana. The second peak is named Paku'i while the third is named Ahiki. In Hawaiian, Olomana means, "divided hill." According to legend, Olomana was a warrior over 30 feet tall, a giant. He ruled the lands on the Windward side of Oahu from Kualoa to Makapu'u. The king of Oahu at the time Ahuapau sent on of his greatest warriors Palila to take on Olomana. Palila being very powerful cut Olomana in half, sending his upper torso into the ocean leaving his lower half, where Mount Olomana is today. I myself have done the hike several times to the first peak. But only twice to the third peak. Once in 2001 with my friends Kim and Matt, and most recently in April 2010 with my brother Kurt.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Video I took at the tops of the 3 peaks Olomana, Paku'i and Ahiki. I made a mistake during the 3rd segment of the film when I called the first peak hidden behind the clouds the third peak.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the way to the entrance of the trail</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyatYMH0rt7Sfrl1qVDuunxUGZSutG4ANiZ0NUP4U_T9Zkayf9QMWqpoKFuJSaTOrlltLJ-7Z9S9dj30SY3pir0L2-N-0SpMTehsh6cgVJuI4Q80Aaq1I1X6_fsQrLwbZ0m8gtYSUFg3c/s1600/SANY3554.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466189341833365666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyatYMH0rt7Sfrl1qVDuunxUGZSutG4ANiZ0NUP4U_T9Zkayf9QMWqpoKFuJSaTOrlltLJ-7Z9S9dj30SY3pir0L2-N-0SpMTehsh6cgVJuI4Q80Aaq1I1X6_fsQrLwbZ0m8gtYSUFg3c/s400/SANY3554.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Hiking Olomana</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">If you drive to Olomana you should park off near the bridge next to Kalanianaole Highway off of Auloa Road. After parking, you will have to follow the road in, pass a guard shack for Luana Hills golf course, then keep walking until you see the sign below. I would give Olomana a 5 out of 5 for difficulty as it has vertical areas of rock climbing. Ropes may or may not be provided and you must use them at your own risk if they are there. So please keep the keiki (children) at home, and those scared of heights. Most people just hike up to the first peak. The first peak does have some rock climbing portions, but the second and especially the third peak can get quite treacherous. Exercise extra caution of you decide to hike those. Also, the hike will take approximately 2-3 hours depending on if you hike to the third peak or not, so bring water with you. A large bottle of water should suffice, or a full camelpak.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Sign Showing Start of Trail</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilf5RELpZRVm3H-P2kbMIQh3Ry-DapjMJhiajkXDuOwgfYU0Uozss9iyye7_qa2PQF_aE8HGAbhZzssL8DnDquHOcxH4zSW8zaIbgsSswtWMA0nRnwQ1kXft9kGkyGCXT8m0iTPmVM8AY/s1600/SANY3555.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466236971738641458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilf5RELpZRVm3H-P2kbMIQh3Ry-DapjMJhiajkXDuOwgfYU0Uozss9iyye7_qa2PQF_aE8HGAbhZzssL8DnDquHOcxH4zSW8zaIbgsSswtWMA0nRnwQ1kXft9kGkyGCXT8m0iTPmVM8AY/s400/SANY3555.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Map showing where to park and the hike up to the third peak</span><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&source=embed&msa=0&msid=118250265717386456364.00048586eb13e14480c9c&ll=21.366468,-157.754995&spn=0.020622,0.012858&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small>View<span style="color: #ffff33;"> </span><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&source=embed&msa=0&msid=118250265717386456364.00048586eb13e14480c9c&ll=21.366468,-157.754995&spn=0.020622,0.012858" style="color: #ffff33; text-align: left;">olomana hike</a><span style="color: #ffff33;"> </span>in a larger map</small><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Beginning of Hike</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1s8UTzK9RWT6mzzcrxb3ubOmAxrgiOXgUDTf6d4eoYyYTVR7TgczM1XoVQ2gL4IGW0K_cbM8PwgcmKeRtGOzYWOnNZ_nIXgrnM-e4QddvVJkDm6a1HbhA-GI5L5fCJj8egHZwzLpGxnU/s1600/SANY3556.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466189350176468834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1s8UTzK9RWT6mzzcrxb3ubOmAxrgiOXgUDTf6d4eoYyYTVR7TgczM1XoVQ2gL4IGW0K_cbM8PwgcmKeRtGOzYWOnNZ_nIXgrnM-e4QddvVJkDm6a1HbhA-GI5L5fCJj8egHZwzLpGxnU/s400/SANY3556.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ironwood Forest</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rZHPX6vYVv07BngTXGDjPSmAG4v6SOoQDwVEsXIn_m3NG3il_JAUysMfP4gfp1XHq9539caWFrCoH2Rm8xlNB-Qsqt1nY849WAnzx7p4XqWzBn5XFm_DsKIv97bcyqqNloZ1Jn0fT3I/s1600/SANY3557.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466189356102170002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rZHPX6vYVv07BngTXGDjPSmAG4v6SOoQDwVEsXIn_m3NG3il_JAUysMfP4gfp1XHq9539caWFrCoH2Rm8xlNB-Qsqt1nY849WAnzx7p4XqWzBn5XFm_DsKIv97bcyqqNloZ1Jn0fT3I/s400/SANY3557.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
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</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Getting Higher</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcuzH7GeMYCnjYGGFZXhLEjjMys8fhtj6KcYKLu3LE3S9Kqa_33RMsxue_K1m7ISZe8EiEOEKIMd6hxlos09w25jocnjEZduF_nFa-uQs378jQ8zL6ZafMzwaZmeK-NRnHfc1qoFh8vo/s1600/SANY3559.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466189379760998610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcuzH7GeMYCnjYGGFZXhLEjjMys8fhtj6KcYKLu3LE3S9Kqa_33RMsxue_K1m7ISZe8EiEOEKIMd6hxlos09w25jocnjEZduF_nFa-uQs378jQ8zL6ZafMzwaZmeK-NRnHfc1qoFh8vo/s400/SANY3559.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">View of Enchanted Lakes (Halfway Point to the First Peak)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXc_Lq4SZF7uy7ndkEE53GBE8RGwRHIxMZMKIQIZtwlM5u5zC3S4CluAsXGOIq7PHytZJ0gPsWCwVdMQjlbSvcMs5B74ikKj5QrXl8uV23WU-UVjzoNlCdV6DacfhN2FQ9NNOW_-ibB2I/s1600/SANY3561.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466194514508979826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXc_Lq4SZF7uy7ndkEE53GBE8RGwRHIxMZMKIQIZtwlM5u5zC3S4CluAsXGOIq7PHytZJ0gPsWCwVdMQjlbSvcMs5B74ikKj5QrXl8uV23WU-UVjzoNlCdV6DacfhN2FQ9NNOW_-ibB2I/s400/SANY3561.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">View of Aikahi and Marine Corps Base</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Q-x51WLmuOeMvfmTMSMHVlFEe5CgWp9y010ZsicDajOwEoSxJtotIYjY_bHtAK4n8mP0WFGSrqhnMZvDBRuA1OnjIj8R7-s9gm1hlYqbRVJ1nQLWrrBxI_Ji2Sd7o4QPrZmBDoQ7RPk/s1600/SANY3562.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466194523723336146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Q-x51WLmuOeMvfmTMSMHVlFEe5CgWp9y010ZsicDajOwEoSxJtotIYjY_bHtAK4n8mP0WFGSrqhnMZvDBRuA1OnjIj8R7-s9gm1hlYqbRVJ1nQLWrrBxI_Ji2Sd7o4QPrZmBDoQ7RPk/s400/SANY3562.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Nearing Top of First Peak</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkDl0iAiJMOCbZvKhXaz0z4xjyiLWFsG0Xrsn-HfTWDjs-EKLK6lJxiDzyHKtt46ADTZrK6NR7ZEinVDQ9iggLdol6WlnDg0jlGa_3HBPuOWT3UATacjEXHNBzTAFbu2r_dulokbPPAc/s1600/SANY3563.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466194538761257538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkDl0iAiJMOCbZvKhXaz0z4xjyiLWFsG0Xrsn-HfTWDjs-EKLK6lJxiDzyHKtt46ADTZrK6NR7ZEinVDQ9iggLdol6WlnDg0jlGa_3HBPuOWT3UATacjEXHNBzTAFbu2r_dulokbPPAc/s400/SANY3563.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Nice Plantlife</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqYkx9Fby-U2f-oX18AMMiwJeaB-Zgp-FeyWLEI7WuHAbmPw1-aKmdBMVV2hoT3IyDOknA3E_9iBoNlUgTy_vFVjemE4gsInVUxm5TxEvvCkZXaMgrUUKIPrdrCj4_zpZtRRDGRiPCWQ/s1600/SANY3566.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466195840858825602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqYkx9Fby-U2f-oX18AMMiwJeaB-Zgp-FeyWLEI7WuHAbmPw1-aKmdBMVV2hoT3IyDOknA3E_9iBoNlUgTy_vFVjemE4gsInVUxm5TxEvvCkZXaMgrUUKIPrdrCj4_zpZtRRDGRiPCWQ/s400/SANY3566.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08scqRik13FjiWT8OUmElV2n9wBEWJYOpc5aKKa3QiQYi4PTMu-Pfchnb0z_yoKjB6MVcHNbTCC_NQ73mXZbmBqmxXyT5DwzCtYwK-er6ENTXzGcJYt09pa8vnz49eM7DJXOKWBySxHo/s1600/SANY3565.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466195830864940306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08scqRik13FjiWT8OUmElV2n9wBEWJYOpc5aKKa3QiQYi4PTMu-Pfchnb0z_yoKjB6MVcHNbTCC_NQ73mXZbmBqmxXyT5DwzCtYwK-er6ENTXzGcJYt09pa8vnz49eM7DJXOKWBySxHo/s400/SANY3565.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Vertical Area to First Peak</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JYQDH6xbOgEEbT2w6vg1WtfEgEVn_bXmEOgrmM6OjqIKHnen2fTx4TnEcFyb4NX1dnq2imfm-8BM172LmQS5iiytTq4eI3rwTckC7D213GQEROawMBgX8j4HCkNXKFfoY0hNTWh1r_Q/s1600/SANY3567.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466195849359190546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JYQDH6xbOgEEbT2w6vg1WtfEgEVn_bXmEOgrmM6OjqIKHnen2fTx4TnEcFyb4NX1dnq2imfm-8BM172LmQS5iiytTq4eI3rwTckC7D213GQEROawMBgX8j4HCkNXKFfoY0hNTWh1r_Q/s400/SANY3567.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Cool rock formations you will notice up Olomana once you start nearing the top.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkdLU-FoUQYfQ2uXcsEdaYLpoP2qyo0zNiDOelJuA1Q_VGuEX3Rn8qpxu-idHh0BFbCbCXTh09Pg2xyAydGHrPLCI-pTdBArxJ57mhYH-XL1Jlsa7lUHtxN_FL0ja4FTMhGi7KY9G6b0/s1600/SANY3568.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466195857490804050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkdLU-FoUQYfQ2uXcsEdaYLpoP2qyo0zNiDOelJuA1Q_VGuEX3Rn8qpxu-idHh0BFbCbCXTh09Pg2xyAydGHrPLCI-pTdBArxJ57mhYH-XL1Jlsa7lUHtxN_FL0ja4FTMhGi7KY9G6b0/s400/SANY3568.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">On Second Peak Looking at Third</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJh7Fm5HEx-GB5NzgEbrEON0rCZiOTQ3grSU68Plur8sXMk4fhLGcBVy66KDAHIfhSk8p8Jfy5q2GaQL28YHVDRGVJmN1bhtVqJaH6zF_tbdfJHA4BZSJQmoowPQ6T8ZsUHrG8aHwzcNc/s1600/SANY3572.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466196886650953474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJh7Fm5HEx-GB5NzgEbrEON0rCZiOTQ3grSU68Plur8sXMk4fhLGcBVy66KDAHIfhSk8p8Jfy5q2GaQL28YHVDRGVJmN1bhtVqJaH6zF_tbdfJHA4BZSJQmoowPQ6T8ZsUHrG8aHwzcNc/s400/SANY3572.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Down the Second Peak to Get to Third</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OrXK7GGJhvkaagu2BuXX8RrPYJXj-xm2S0GpJTQnn4ej7DOfV4oXNHwDHcPmAJ-i4VQxrcaiP1GnMZj_YWtxePoV3WNcGrGK0MaVoKPGejoZFNEqAujKmixinwviWUlb9NJAOIu-p3Q/s1600/SANY3571.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466195868073354770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OrXK7GGJhvkaagu2BuXX8RrPYJXj-xm2S0GpJTQnn4ej7DOfV4oXNHwDHcPmAJ-i4VQxrcaiP1GnMZj_YWtxePoV3WNcGrGK0MaVoKPGejoZFNEqAujKmixinwviWUlb9NJAOIu-p3Q/s400/SANY3571.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Almost to Third Peak, Wall-Like Structure</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhwTZrPmANwIDOJ_wQQNXdtBaLjsjwX2tw3S2mkRZIwDG5eJEDoze5kFmYlXkGIhHH3dePxvu8qgVcNblEgWG_TVAy_xl43j8t8CU-bKaWUr4Mluv5Yl_xOvaBSXJAT9By741rVxjHj4/s1600/SANY3573.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466196896399339106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhwTZrPmANwIDOJ_wQQNXdtBaLjsjwX2tw3S2mkRZIwDG5eJEDoze5kFmYlXkGIhHH3dePxvu8qgVcNblEgWG_TVAy_xl43j8t8CU-bKaWUr4Mluv5Yl_xOvaBSXJAT9By741rVxjHj4/s400/SANY3573.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Pictures from the hole in Olomana. Take a look at Mount Olomana from certain spots in Enchanted Lakes on a clear day and look toward the third peak, you can actually see this hole.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroCzsFJh-5OVDz3FH6jjfbVIXiAhPo5M3cR3V05LaJONeK_8-APWXR67Ky-JVlDQPg-VdgC4nFMuFu8Kxl0d7K7ujZJSA_aA1KebZg-HIx7JmIPr0sUcEmoVKFf8dKNFQ5QWfQND0tko/s1600/SANY3575.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466196901757594290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroCzsFJh-5OVDz3FH6jjfbVIXiAhPo5M3cR3V05LaJONeK_8-APWXR67Ky-JVlDQPg-VdgC4nFMuFu8Kxl0d7K7ujZJSA_aA1KebZg-HIx7JmIPr0sUcEmoVKFf8dKNFQ5QWfQND0tko/s400/SANY3575.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNroQdGa3yxvZ2Y_3zNMtGmKvajklo1GZV4MiFS3sbBNHzMHXfZhOyJ4Yu2l_sWcfg6VdZYqhnUrxR29FGhFhyphenhyphenPWZxzfi30SiGoQLYieIUZ7dCe8ftZA-fsTqQFc2S_WZ2l89-Yv0A3Qk/s1600/SANY3576.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466196914184832322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNroQdGa3yxvZ2Y_3zNMtGmKvajklo1GZV4MiFS3sbBNHzMHXfZhOyJ4Yu2l_sWcfg6VdZYqhnUrxR29FGhFhyphenhyphenPWZxzfi30SiGoQLYieIUZ7dCe8ftZA-fsTqQFc2S_WZ2l89-Yv0A3Qk/s400/SANY3576.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">If you get to the third peak make sure to log your name in this book. Hopefully it is still there when you get there.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXG4LnYhFn1vQwNTvT391xm78xZcmQUcrdAB3yKocGhCk18EexfT3lRTYqlZwIxjlU0HvlikTG45Wp7SxOxA7nZzG_ms7Ryrbc-k5DbD7m3darfrGrPbL0zZvlOwO_OkReibJERvU3_c/s1600/SANY3582.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466196923557044322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXG4LnYhFn1vQwNTvT391xm78xZcmQUcrdAB3yKocGhCk18EexfT3lRTYqlZwIxjlU0HvlikTG45Wp7SxOxA7nZzG_ms7Ryrbc-k5DbD7m3darfrGrPbL0zZvlOwO_OkReibJERvU3_c/s400/SANY3582.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">My Chinese entry in the book</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wvZ6pMqxignzsd9x3KWR1-ghvqZdcvKhlsuLRLcQ4TAHhuNzb0JzgjvmJYt8OFIMnzTg83mv5sEXpG6EyOw8lDomjFE-_RbHSPPuL-YZzcwCL2KgZHfZynw1TKlyyrElgxJb5QDO7Dc/s1600/SANY3583.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466197937474373938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wvZ6pMqxignzsd9x3KWR1-ghvqZdcvKhlsuLRLcQ4TAHhuNzb0JzgjvmJYt8OFIMnzTg83mv5sEXpG6EyOw8lDomjFE-_RbHSPPuL-YZzcwCL2KgZHfZynw1TKlyyrElgxJb5QDO7Dc/s400/SANY3583.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the way back, up the second peak. Notice how small my brother is at the bottom.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAsplMMD0mtI8jkqAyXE_PYV1zTMzTxhTEZbELXvk1dk9goUDMsq1XygyF0zVfre9udr-jUvCsNvtQdZqGT9spZnRYSFcw5q7kDJXGE4JBHTSV3HkW0s3G9_sPfrWpLKh8uuolyIlscQ/s1600/SANY3586.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466197947702061218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAsplMMD0mtI8jkqAyXE_PYV1zTMzTxhTEZbELXvk1dk9goUDMsq1XygyF0zVfre9udr-jUvCsNvtQdZqGT9spZnRYSFcw5q7kDJXGE4JBHTSV3HkW0s3G9_sPfrWpLKh8uuolyIlscQ/s400/SANY3586.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Make the Visit to Hike Olomana!</span><br />
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</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">I would say that this hike is well worth the time and effort it takes to climb. The scenery is rewarding, and if you are lucky, you will get to log an entry into the book at the third peak. Again most people tend to just climb to the first peak and go back down. However, doing so will make you miss the cool hole in the mountain, and all that fun rock climbing with steep drop-offs at both ends! You will burn well over 600 calories on this hike too! And if that doesn't wanna make you climb Olomana, then I dunno what will.<br />
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Also recommended: <a href="http://bluegreenbetween.blogspot.com/2010/04/kailua-pillbox-hike-breathtaking-beauty.html">Kailua Pillbox Hike: Breathtaking Beauty</a><br />
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</div>Kyle B. Sasaokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260461581800773809noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074969826579116996.post-17642858506839458172010-04-28T14:24:00.000-10:002010-05-14T19:08:48.582-10:00Kailua Pillbox Hike: Breathtaking Beauty<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOli9SUwlnhtqkTqcWuK-Kka5ARuo_O9LeGJicduvvwO9FZA46U3Bn0fvjCy-8YGxTfMaX8zk_Mk2YvB6QcV1V33-lnH20seeUXDnjVQYSCv5qtlieM6hH2ulG5L9zPpJvEqZd96X_-8/s1600/SANY3525.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465362405889363842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOli9SUwlnhtqkTqcWuK-Kka5ARuo_O9LeGJicduvvwO9FZA46U3Bn0fvjCy-8YGxTfMaX8zk_Mk2YvB6QcV1V33-lnH20seeUXDnjVQYSCv5qtlieM6hH2ulG5L9zPpJvEqZd96X_-8/s400/SANY3525.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Come to See the Beauty</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
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The Kailua Pillbox Hike is perfect for seeing a beautiful view of Kailua Town and the beaches of both Kailua and Waimanalo. Be sure to take the time to hike it. You will get to see different types of plantlife, a very pretty view of the Mokulua Islands, and a taste of history with the pillboxes.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;"><br />
Who Can Hike the Trail?</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
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I would give the hike a 2 out of 5 for difficulty, 1 being the easiest and 5 being the hardest. The hardest part is on the makai side (ocean side) in the beginning of the hike. There is a pretty steep incline there but conveniently a rope is placed around trees to help you up the trail. So pretty much anybody can hike the trail.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">What is significant about the trail?</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
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At the top of the Kailua Pillbox Hike, lies the pillboxes. These were built during WWII as observation points to keep an eye out for a Japanese attack. The pillboxes are left on top of the trail as reminders of the past. You can actually climb onto the top of the pillboxes and go inside! The tops of the pillboxes make a perfect place to do Yoga during the dawn of the breaking day.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;"><br />
Where is the trail?</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
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You can get to the trail two ways. You can enter on Kaelepulu street next to Mid-Pacific Golf Course or Kamahele Street right before Bluestone residential area.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;"><br />
Kaelepulu and Aalapapa</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLyKFM_drV4HYStAjApty7d8pe0Yy-u2beKBNpTRUog-m71qJtnszh1KJhPGEcWqr1q6vzg-2gv4scfl-kLMkoQODcwp_djg707HwyC8h0ZUUqROfannpGaKOYCxWyWZTkazfS7e03Fc/s1600/SANY3521.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465382759242800450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLyKFM_drV4HYStAjApty7d8pe0Yy-u2beKBNpTRUog-m71qJtnszh1KJhPGEcWqr1q6vzg-2gv4scfl-kLMkoQODcwp_djg707HwyC8h0ZUUqROfannpGaKOYCxWyWZTkazfS7e03Fc/s400/SANY3521.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Keolu and Kamahele</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4Ck3xlDCqDDUTn9wLIkK3d9RX5n0anOG6SV82CC5RteA9G6-vafKWEBY05QTumpfNy1i7ZrzD3MIDF8F3fA8DB7Ci6wvqgOuYPaMyMN4kMHjttMRbnpPNKEoF8MNBpIMO_O7veaZnkA/s1600/SANY3553.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465382767611657202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4Ck3xlDCqDDUTn9wLIkK3d9RX5n0anOG6SV82CC5RteA9G6-vafKWEBY05QTumpfNy1i7ZrzD3MIDF8F3fA8DB7Ci6wvqgOuYPaMyMN4kMHjttMRbnpPNKEoF8MNBpIMO_O7veaZnkA/s400/SANY3553.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Map of the Trail</span><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=118250265717386456364.00048556861b05ce5567e&ll=21.385656,-157.72102&spn=0.008899,0.008861&t=h&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=118250265717386456364.00048556861b05ce5567e&ll=21.385656,-157.72102&spn=0.008899,0.008861&t=h&source=embed" style="color: yellow; text-align: left;">kailua pillbox hike</a> in a larger map</small><br />
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</span></div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">When is the Best Time to Hike the Trail?</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
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The best time to hike the trail is dawn before the sun and midday to sunset. During the period of time between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. the sun is directly in front of you and too strong. The sun will ruin the view of the Mokulua Islands if there are no clouds in the sky. Of course if it rains it can get dangerously muddy so exercise extra caution if there are wet weather conditions. It takes about 45 minutes to walk straight through from beginning to end. You might want to take a while to enjoy the scenery though, so plan on taking a total of one and a half to two hours to finish the whole hike.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">360 View From the Top of the Pillbox</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Other Pictures of the Hike</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
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</span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">See the Koolau Mountain Range in the Distance</span></div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOWdX3IRhdaE4NSwmbsHaByN7rUxfKrfhCwBEd4ZhXkGsfaFs7W82u7j-1-_A2DL0oaI9AacBoBNy2Mumt1CsM9kNNshJ4d51imOyIvqE7hA2XEQtchUOLctQMFaX_kYLGgXOxgGPSCc/s1600/SANY3537.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465389387140141042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOWdX3IRhdaE4NSwmbsHaByN7rUxfKrfhCwBEd4ZhXkGsfaFs7W82u7j-1-_A2DL0oaI9AacBoBNy2Mumt1CsM9kNNshJ4d51imOyIvqE7hA2XEQtchUOLctQMFaX_kYLGgXOxgGPSCc/s400/SANY3537.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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</span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">The Mokulua Islands... photo taken at around 8 a.m.</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaqnJlPMQBkRRmEKqutWGtNWwqEARgN_YXlNeRtVyiF_dIyA13De7XipUNxjfzjB3qrn-Jaxa44JA25KT2yFAIXYZIU36EZUrN57OgGe9et96Chm2VawrIiKPQkL38lFWtJbjKSz4yVs/s1600/SANY3535.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465389375865108786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaqnJlPMQBkRRmEKqutWGtNWwqEARgN_YXlNeRtVyiF_dIyA13De7XipUNxjfzjB3qrn-Jaxa44JA25KT2yFAIXYZIU36EZUrN57OgGe9et96Chm2VawrIiKPQkL38lFWtJbjKSz4yVs/s400/SANY3535.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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</span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Notice the difference at noon</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
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<a href="http://millersgroup.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/MokuluaIslands.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://millersgroup.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/MokuluaIslands.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 303px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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</span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">View of Enchanted Lakes (I can see my house from here)</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9p-4A1UTnCRxIkuEM0Th3CpsS_CFYffcLAsE8-ONCkDgnMFSvMjKUPaUkA2VgCFesMKRT2k3PS06fn6NJUHxMwI3UJo9BmLo0RbPIrQPyT4Sls0G1GO-JbXt7YMDrcozrrff1c2Md_8/s1600/SANY3533.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465389369763787106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9p-4A1UTnCRxIkuEM0Th3CpsS_CFYffcLAsE8-ONCkDgnMFSvMjKUPaUkA2VgCFesMKRT2k3PS06fn6NJUHxMwI3UJo9BmLo0RbPIrQPyT4Sls0G1GO-JbXt7YMDrcozrrff1c2Md_8/s400/SANY3533.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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</span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">One of the pillboxes</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-oPxPoLylqnNzeZP3gcWQR1SaQXTXz28n2XQBG_9-da3RMtm6_sciuQxl2b5njEo2fpaGG8rBJ7Pml4BLsVPmVU2gyWfraME7B-kr6EvNzSO_BVuBDI4Xyg13_R8Mczno-RqvbdLJfk/s1600/SANY3530.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465389364490308050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-oPxPoLylqnNzeZP3gcWQR1SaQXTXz28n2XQBG_9-da3RMtm6_sciuQxl2b5njEo2fpaGG8rBJ7Pml4BLsVPmVU2gyWfraME7B-kr6EvNzSO_BVuBDI4Xyg13_R8Mczno-RqvbdLJfk/s400/SANY3530.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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</span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Earthen stairway to heaven</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsg2HX87eplOX1yrbHuwPKmNyNMLWhXPJxhxtespsa98yq79MqI-SaQqaEaD3uySQ5kfAESuFrO09WcOfwZpocmiTMBAahqABTRUxK43t4d1NornecGNlkmhybU5ma4OHopA1OamDKZxM/s1600/SANY3527.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465389354886040514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsg2HX87eplOX1yrbHuwPKmNyNMLWhXPJxhxtespsa98yq79MqI-SaQqaEaD3uySQ5kfAESuFrO09WcOfwZpocmiTMBAahqABTRUxK43t4d1NornecGNlkmhybU5ma4OHopA1OamDKZxM/s400/SANY3527.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
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</span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Trailing toward Kamahele Street</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11G-s9NfeuD0AFcHmsRO-WO-SOsIkRx9GSFi6leygVR119qElxRTOMS5ar7_XK8JzSK3phpelpnDFdInJzG8AQHkyO4p9uRPaSin2dnFVvmpebxUmAPSZzveRBn_lWbEVrsSNGNYlLeM/s1600/SANY3539.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465393952936847730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11G-s9NfeuD0AFcHmsRO-WO-SOsIkRx9GSFi6leygVR119qElxRTOMS5ar7_XK8JzSK3phpelpnDFdInJzG8AQHkyO4p9uRPaSin2dnFVvmpebxUmAPSZzveRBn_lWbEVrsSNGNYlLeM/s400/SANY3539.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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</span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Cool plantlife. Does anyone know the name of this plant?</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzW5nKDrsQqKdMvDLEVn3bzUBft7vOpVrNgMfelWekaeDpHzq5XJ_Oe1BxkDDtCH5EoEOmnsgHnrgiiN-WAXKW8idkJkEZ1dYaW6_gnEAc53HydhjWHfB-lIpFRSEE77c_vsuHkcNzX0/s1600/SANY3538.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465393942587729298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzW5nKDrsQqKdMvDLEVn3bzUBft7vOpVrNgMfelWekaeDpHzq5XJ_Oe1BxkDDtCH5EoEOmnsgHnrgiiN-WAXKW8idkJkEZ1dYaW6_gnEAc53HydhjWHfB-lIpFRSEE77c_vsuHkcNzX0/s400/SANY3538.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
Hike the Trail!<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Next time you're in Kailua Town make sure to hike this trail. It is an absolute must for people visiting Kailua. The hike is easy and the scenery is fantastic. So relax, clear your mind, and enjoy the nature. Oh and by the way, you will burn approximately 330 calories if you complete the whole trail. All the more reason to hike!</span><br />
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Also Recommended: <a href="http://bluegreenbetween.blogspot.com/2010/04/hiking-olomana-three-steep-peaks.html">Hiking Olomana: Three Steep Peaks</a><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div></div></div></div></div>Kyle B. Sasaokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260461581800773809noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074969826579116996.post-22765580060088453982010-04-26T15:49:00.000-10:002010-04-27T16:19:06.962-10:00Finding Your Dō Spirit<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://hanzillion.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/img_1044.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 348px; height: 348px;" src="http://hanzillion.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/img_1044.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What is Dō? And how can it help me?</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Dō, which is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese character 道 literally means 'road'. From that original meaning it has expanded to mean, "The way of." We see Dō used in many Japanese words dealing with the martial arts, religious, spiritual, and philosophical doctrines. For example we have:<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" >Dō</span><span style="font-size:130%;">kyō: Taoism<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" >Dō</span><span style="font-size:130%;">toku: Morals<br />Bushi</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" >dō</span><span style="font-size:130%;">: The way of the warrior<br />Sa</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" >dō</span><span style="font-size:130%;">: Tea ceremony (The way of tea)<br />Ju</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" >dō</span><span style="font-size:130%;">: Judo (The soft way)<br />Aiki</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" >dō</span><span style="font-size:130%;">: Aikido (Meeting energy way)<br />Ken</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" >dō</span><span style="font-size:130%;">: Kendo (The way of the sword)<br /><br />These are only some of the many Dō we have in Japan and in this world. Analysis of the character itself is quite dreadful. It is a moving head! 道 is composed of 首 (head) on a character component 辶 (movement). Ok get that scary picture out of your head! Using Dō in its many forms can help you. In the Hindu tradition dharma has it that you have a special talent that you can do better than anyone else in this universe. This is exactly what your Dō is! Finding this talent or your Dō, cultivating it, and using it to give to the people, by law will create an abundance of wealth for you. And this wealth not only includes monetary wealth, but transcends it and includes wealth in so many different ways.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What is my personal Dō? What is my 'way'?</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Since everyone's Dō is unique to them, you need to find it for yourself. A good way to find out what your Dō is, is to try to remember times when you got into something so much that you lost track of time. Moreover, you found pleasure in doing it, and you had excellent results. This is most likely your Dō. To help you find your Dō, list your strengths and what you enjoy doing. After that write down how you can use those strengths to help people get what they want/need.<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">How to cultivate my Dō, my 'way'<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Use the following steps to cultivate your Dō into something spectacular. This is your personal Dō that could be in any form... physical, mental or spiritual.<br /></span><ol><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Establish and formalize your Dō</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Constantly repeat your Dō</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Master your Dō and create system where you can critically evaluate progress</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Perfect your Dō</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Become one with your Dō</span></li></ol><span style="font-size:130%;">Getting to step 5 is a success in itself, and your Dō will be able to be used to help people in more ways than you could possibly imagine. Doing that will create wealth in abundance for you.<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Your Dō might be anything!<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />When I was in Japan studying abroad as an exchange student there were a number of students in the group from Finland that could have fun, party, and do it seemingly non-stop. We cleverly crafted the word 'Findō' 'the way of the Fins,' to describe their ways. They were fun and the trip wouldn't have been the same without them. They brought so much positivity to the group and represented their home country so very well. This goes to show that your personal Dō might be simply the talent to make others have fun till they drop. The possibilities of what your Dō may be are limitless. So what are you waiting for?! Find your Dō and become one with it now.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Here are some Dō examples:</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Surf dō (The way of surf)<br />Cooking dō (The way of cooking)<br />Speech dō (The way of speech)<br />Humor dō (The way of humor)<br />Helping Others dō (The way of helping others)<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Again the possibilities are limitless!</span></div>Kyle B. Sasaokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260461581800773809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8074969826579116996.post-69716455199828010352010-04-22T20:41:00.000-10:002010-04-27T16:19:37.238-10:00Stars for Health<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ee.columbia.edu/%7Eshane/img/hst_galaxy.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 252px;" src="http://www.ee.columbia.edu/%7Eshane/img/hst_galaxy.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">HEY!</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Do you not eat any vegetables? Does your diet consist of mostly meat and starches? If you said yes to any of the two previous questions you may not be getting the nutrition your body needs.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >The beginning of life...</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Approximately 14 billion light years ago, the universe began with the BIG BANG! Back then the universe consisted of only hydrogen and helium... 2 gases not conducive to life. But then galaxies started to form, and in those galaxies huge stars. Some of these stars would supernova (or in other words blow up) and create all kinds of different minerals due to atomic fusion. Things like iron, potassium, zinc, magnesium, etc., which eventually played a huge role in creating life. That is why we (as living beings) need these minerals in our bodies. And it wasn't only minerals! Oxygen and water was created too! If the stars made us, then we should look at what they made us with to attain the greatest health.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >How will this help you?</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Protecting your teeth from decay? Fluoride helps with that. Need strong teeth with better blood clotting? Calcium will be good for that. Aid for digestion? Chloride will give you what you need. Minerals are wonderful, and are necessary for a healthy life. What you need to keep in mind though, is amounts. Too much or too little of any single mineral can be seriously detrimental to your health. The key is knowing how much is needed and maintaining that balance.<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Foods that give you the minerals you need</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Here is a link for a list of some minerals and the foods that they are found in and what the minerals can do for you. Vitamins are included also.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.modernwife.com/healthy.html">List of vitamins and minerals and foods they are found in</a><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Remember that getting the right amount of minerals and vitamins is key for good health. That being said, having a diverse diet is very beneficial as it allows you to get all the essentials.<br /><br />If you want to see the recommended amounts for each vitamin and mineral <a href="http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2004/9241546123_annexes.pdf">click here</a>. It is a link to the highly respected World Health Organization (WHO). You will see the required amounts of vitamins and minerals broken down by age.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >So what are you waiting for?!</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Start eating a diverse diet rich in all of the vitamins and minerals that made us today! The stars gave us life. Let's stay educated on the benefits we can receive from the stars which created us! Remember to consume the right amounts!<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Confused on what to eat?!</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />It can be very daunting to create a well balanced nutritious diet. That is why dietary supplements are so wonderful. The right dietary supplements (multivitamins etc.) will ensure you get the proper amounts of minerals and vitamins. Be careful when choosing multivitamins. You want vitamins that are of excellent quality as some manufacturers do not guarantee the contents of their vitamins. I suggest doing research to find what is good for you as well as choosing a company that guarantees the contents of their supplements. A good example of one such company is USANA. Their supplements are ranked #1 by The Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements (a third party publication).<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><object width="320" height="280"><param name="movie" value="http://www.usana.com/media/File/mediaCenter/embedPlayer/embedded.swf"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="FlashVars" value="cat=Prospecting&vid=ven134&autoplay=false&isMenu=true&locale=en_US&userName=Kyle$Sasaoka&userEmail=kbsasaoka@gmail.com"><embed src="http://www.usana.com/media/File/mediaCenter/embedPlayer/embedded.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="cat=Prospecting&vid=ven134&autoplay=false&isMenu=true&locale=en_US&userName=Kyle$Sasaoka&userEmail=kbsasaoka@gmail.com" width="320" height="280"></embed></object><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />For more information on how to get USANA products <a href="http://usana.com/">click here</a>.<br /><br />For more information on USANA benefits <a href="http://kylesasaoka.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-being-usana-associate-can-help-you.html">click here</a>.<br /><br />I personally take their dietary supplements and I've noticed increased energy and feel great. Science allowed us to study the stars, and we have found out that our bodies are composed of star material. Science can also tell us what kinds of foods to eat for a well balanced diet and what kinds of vitamins and minerals to put in dietary supplements. Make sure you choose what is right for you!</span>Kyle B. Sasaokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260461581800773809noreply@blogger.com0